Financial planning
How much can an ETF savings plan grow?
Project final capital from monthly ETF contributions, expected return and horizon — contributed vs growth split.
Quick answer
Future value with monthly compounding: FV = C×(((1+r)^n − 1)/r) + PV×(1+r)^n, where C = monthly contribution, r = annual rate ÷ 12, n = months, PV = starting capital. Worked example — €200/month, 5% expected return, 20 years, no starting capital: you contribute €48,000; projected total ≈ €82,200 (≈ €34,200 from assumed growth, not a guarantee). Change the return field to stress-test pessimistic and optimistic scenarios.
Projected final capital
$82,206.73
- Total contributed
- $48,000.00
- Assumed growth (not guaranteed)
- $34,206.73
Related calculators: Savings goal · FIRE calculator · Compound interest · Mortgage payment · Rental yield
⚠️ Educational estimate only — not financial advice. Returns are assumptions, not guarantees — past results do not predict future performance and invested capital is at risk.
FV = monthly × ((1+r)^n − 1)/r + PV×(1+r)^n with monthly compounding. The return field is your hypothesis — markets fluctuate; this is a projection, not a forecast.
How it works
A PAC (piano di accumulo) spreads purchases over time — this calculator models the maths only, not fund fees, taxes or market crashes. Pair it with the savings-goal tool to work backwards from a target, or the FIRE calculator if your horizon is financial independence. For a general lump-sum + contributions setup, see compound interest.
Frequently asked questions
Is 5% a realistic expected return?+
It is a neutral planning default for a diversified stock/bond portfolio — not a promise. Historical long-term equity returns in nominal terms were often higher, but decades with flat or negative returns exist. Always edit the field to match your own conservative assumption.
PAC vs investing a lump sum?+
Mathematically, investing everything early usually wins if returns are positive — more time in the market. A PAC reduces timing risk and fits paycheck savings. This calculator shows where regular contributions land; it does not pick between strategies.
Should I subtract inflation?+
Nominal projection shows account balance; real value divides by (1+inflation)^years — what that money might buy in today’s prices. Use 2–3% as a rough long-term inflation hypothesis in advanced settings.
Are ETF fees included?+
No — enter a net return after costs if you want realism (e.g. 5% gross market assumption minus 0.3% TER → 4.7% in the return field). Broker fees on each purchase also slightly reduce outcomes.