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Compound interest

Compound interest calculator

See how a starting balance and a steady monthly contribution could grow — and how much of the final number is your own money versus interest earning interest. It's an illustration to build intuition, not a prediction.

A long-run stock-market average often used for illustrations is around 6–7% before inflation.

Estimated future value

$95,718

What you'd have after 20 years, if it earned 6% a year — money in plus interest on top.

Money you put in
$49,000
Interest earned
$46,718

Estimate only, not a prediction. Assumes a constant rate and that every contribution is made on schedule; real returns move around and can be negative.

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This calculator is a general-information tool. It produces an illustrative estimate from the numbers you enter, assuming a constant rate and steady contributions — real results vary, and nothing here is a projection of any specific outcome.

Off Script Wire is an independent publication. Everything we publish is general information about business and markets, not individualized advice. Read the full disclosures.

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