Guide
How Long to Reach £10,000 With Compound Interest?
The timeline depends on your starting amount, monthly contributions, rate, and compounding. Use these examples as a starting point, then run your numbers in the calculator.
Published: March 12, 2025 · Updated: December 21, 2025 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Disclaimer
Educational purposes only; not financial advice. Examples are illustrative; real returns vary and investments can go down as well as up. Fees, taxes, inflation, and rules vary by provider and country.
Try the calculator
Set your starting amount, monthly contribution, and rate to see when £10,000 is reached.
Open the calculatorQuick answer
There isn’t one number—test scenarios. For example: low (3%), base (5%), optimistic (7%) with a monthly deposit. More on monthly planning: how much to invest per month.
The variables that decide the timeline
- Starting amount
- Monthly contribution
- Interest/return assumption
- Time horizon and compounding frequency
Example scenarios (illustrative)
Scenario A (low)
- Start: £0
- Monthly contribution: £100
- Rate: 3% annually
- Time to £10,000 (approx.): ~7.5 years
Run this in the calculator.
Scenario B (base)
- Start: £0
- Monthly contribution: £100
- Rate: 5% annually
- Time to £10,000 (approx.): ~7 years
Run this in the calculator.
Scenario C (optimistic)
- Start: £0
- Monthly contribution: £100
- Rate: 7% annually
- Time to £10,000 (approx.): ~6.5 years
Run this in the calculator.
Scenario D (starting boost)
- Start: £1,000
- Monthly contribution: £100
- Rate: 5% annually
- Time to £10,000 (approx.): ~6 years
Run this in the calculator.
Comparison table (illustrative)
| Rate | Monthly contribution | Time to £10,000 (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 3% | £100 | ~7.5 years |
| 5% | £100 | ~7 years |
| 7% | £100 | ~6.5 years |
Illustrative only; change inputs in the calculator to match your situation.
Run your numbers (guide)
- Set £10,000 as the mental target.
- Enter your starting amount.
- Enter your monthly contribution.
- Pick a conservative and an optimistic rate (illustrative only).
- Adjust years until the ending value crosses £10,000.
Common mistakes
- Assuming one rate is guaranteed.
- Forgetting fees, taxes, or inflation.
- Changing multiple variables at once when comparing.
FAQ
How long to reach £10,000 saving £100/month?
At 3–7% illustrative rates, roughly 6.5–7.5 years in these examples. Use the calculator for your numbers.
What if I start with £1,000?
A starting boost can shorten the timeline by months. Enter your start amount to see the difference.
What rate should I use for estimates?
Test a range (e.g., low/base/high). Rates are illustrative, not promises.
Does compounding frequency matter?
It shifts results slightly; monthly or yearly are common. Keep the rest of the inputs consistent.
What if I increase contributions over time?
Higher contributions can shorten the timeline. Adjust the monthly amount in the calculator to see the impact.
What if returns vary?
Real returns fluctuate. Scenarios show ranges, not guarantees.
Is reaching £10,000 guaranteed?
No. These are estimates; outcomes depend on actual returns and contributions.
How do I calculate the monthly amount needed instead?
See how much to invest per month for a walkthrough.
Compare scenarios in the tool
Save low, base, and optimistic scenarios to see how quickly you might reach £10,000.