| Return Rate | Monthly Needed | Total Deposited | Interest Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | $750 | $100,000 | $0 |
| 3% | $619 | $84,280 | $15,720 |
| 6% | $499 | $69,880 | $30,120 |
| 8% | $425 | $61,000 | $39,000 |
| 10% | $356 | $52,720 | $47,280 |
| 12% | $291 | $44,920 | $55,080 |
Educational tool. Not financial advice. Doesn't account for taxes on interest, fluctuating contribution capacity, or major expense events that derail savings rates.
Savings Calculator — Goal, Plan & Monthly Savings Online
Enter your target amount, current savings, timeline, and expected return to see exactly how much you need to save each month. The chart shows your progress and the comparison table shows how different return rates affect your required savings.
How to plan a savings goal
- Set your savings goal amount and target date.
- Enter any existing balance you are starting from.
- Specify the expected annual rate of return on the savings (for cash, use the savings account APY; for longer horizons, a portfolio return).
- The calculator returns the monthly contribution needed to reach the goal on time.
Common use cases
- Planning a home down payment by backing out the monthly savings needed over a 3-5 year horizon.
- Saving for a wedding, sabbatical or major purchase with a fixed deadline.
- Building an emergency fund systematically instead of guessing at a monthly amount.
- Coordinating a joint savings goal with a partner by making the required contribution explicit.
Frequently asked questions
What return rate should I assume?
For horizons under 3 years, use the savings account APY (currently 4-5% in many markets). For 5+ years, you can use a diversified portfolio return (7-8% nominal is a common assumption). Longer horizons justify more equity exposure.
Is it worth investing a short-term goal?
Generally no. Equity returns are volatile over 1-3 year horizons — you could be forced to sell at a loss at the wrong time. Stick to cash or short-term bonds for goals under three years.
What if I cannot make the monthly contribution?
Extend the timeline, reduce the goal, or increase your income side. The calculator shows you the tradeoff precisely so you can pick the least painful adjustment.
Is my data stored?
No. All calculations run in your browser.
About savings goals
The power of compound growth means you don't need to deposit 100% of your goal — your returns do part of the work. The higher the return rate and longer the timeline, the less you need to save each month.
- Required monthly savings calculation
- Growth chart with goal line
- Comparison table across 6 return rates
- Accounts for existing savings
- Export chart as PNG
- No data leaves your browser
Free. No signup. Inputs stay in your browser. Ads via AdSense (consent required).