Savings Goal Calculator
See whether monthly deposits reach a target, how much you still need to save, and the contribution that hits the goal on time.
Key concepts
Future value
The balance after your current savings and monthly deposits compound for the years you set.
Required monthly deposit
The end-of-month contribution that lands on the goal if the rate and the horizon stay exactly as you typed them.
What this tool does
A target, not just a balance
The compound-interest tool shows where a deposit stream ends. This page asks the other question: will that stream reach a number you care about, and what monthly amount would close the gap? The engine is the same monthly compounding.
Two plans side by side
Scenario B is a second goal, rate, or contribution — for example a smaller monthly deposit over the same five years. Keep the horizon identical when you want the gap to be about the deposit, not about extra time.
Savings goal formula
FV = PV×(1+r)^n + PMT×[((1+r)^n − 1) / r] r = annual rate / 12, n = years × 12 PMT = (Goal − PV×(1+r)^n) × r / ((1+r)^n − 1)
Each month the balance grows by the monthly rate, then the contribution is added. That matches the compound-interest calculator on this site. If the rate is zero, the future value is simply today’s savings plus deposits. If today’s savings already compound past the goal, the required deposit is zero. Fees and inflation stay out — use the inflation calculator when purchasing power is the question. Gross mode does not remove tax. Net mode applies Brazilian regressive income tax to each deposit’s gain only.
Worked example
Start with 10,000, add 200 a month, and earn 0% for 5 years. You contribute 12,000 along the way and finish at 22,000. The required deposit for a 22,000 goal on that same path is 200 a month, and the timeline is 60 months. Raise the rate and any balance above 22,000 is interest, not extra money you deposited.
Common mistakes
- Treating the projected balance as a promise. The rate you type is an assumption.
- Comparing two scenarios with different horizons and calling the gap a savings-rate effect.
- Forgetting inflation. A nominal goal can be met while buying less than you pictured.
Methodology on this page
Monthly compounding with end-of-month contributions, the same engine as the compound-interest calculator. The required deposit solves that future value for the payment. Months to the goal walk forward one month at a time, up to 100 years. Net mode subtracts Brazilian regressive income tax on each lot’s gain at redemption. Come-cotas and the 30-day IOF are not included. Educational only — not financial or tax advice.
Read the full FinTools4U methodology →Frequently asked questions
Does the required deposit include what I already saved?
The current balance is grown first. The required deposit is only the extra monthly amount that covers what is left.
Why can the required deposit be zero?
If the savings you already have reach the goal by compounding alone, no new deposit is required under these assumptions.
Are taxes or inflation included?
Inflation is not included. Gross mode is nominal. Net mode applies Brazilian regressive income tax to each deposit’s gain only, including the deposit that hits the goal and the months until redemption. It is an educational model, not tax advice.
Is this financial advice?
No. The math runs in your browser so you can test a goal. It is not a savings product or a recommendation. Fed funds fills the custom annual return from the official target-range midpoint, and you can still edit the field. The link stores the number you apply. Indicative rate, not a recommendation.
Sources & further reading
- Investor.gov — Compound Interest — SEC overview of compounding, which this projection uses monthly.
Related guide
Related calculators
Emergency Fund
Size a cash reserve from essential spending before you stretch for a longer goal.
Inflation and Real Return
See what the same balance is worth after the inflation rate you type.
Home Affordability
Turn a down-payment goal into a housing budget.
Compound Interest
The same monthly engine, aimed at the ending balance rather than a target date.