Goal seeking

How Much to Invest Per Month to Reach a Goal

The monthly amount depends on your goal, timeline, starting amount, and rate assumption. Use scenarios and the calculator to find a range that fits you.

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

Adjust contributions, rate, and timeline until the ending balance meets your target.

Open the calculator

Quick answer

There isn’t one number—test low/base/high rate assumptions and adjust monthly contributions. The tighter the deadline, the higher the monthly amount tends to be. More on monthly deposits: monthly contributions and compounding.

The 4 variables

Target amount (goal)
Time horizon (months/years)
Starting amount
Rate assumption + compounding frequency (illustrative)

Fees, taxes, and inflation can reduce real outcomes.

How to solve with the calculator

Set your goal timeline and rate assumption.
Enter a starting amount and a first guess for monthly contribution.
Increase or decrease the contribution until the ending balance meets or exceeds the goal.
Save 2–3 scenarios: conservative, base, and optimistic.

Open the calculator

Worked examples (illustrative)

Example A: Goal £10,000 in 5 years

Start: £0
Rate: 3% → ~£150/month
Rate: 5% → ~£140/month

Try this in the calculator.

Example B: Goal £50,000 in 10 years

Start: £5,000
Rate: 5% → ~£280/month

Adjust the rate to see how contributions shift.

Example C: Deadline pressure

Goal: £10,000 in 3 years
Start: £0
Rate: 5% → ~£265/month

Shorter timelines raise the monthly amount.

Summary table (illustrative)

Goal (£)	Years	Start (£)	Rate	Est. monthly (£)
10,000	5	0	3%	~150
10,000	5	0	5%	~140
50,000	10	5,000	5%	~280

Illustrative only—run your own figures in the calculator.

Helpful next steps

Run low/base/high scenarios in the calculator.
See timelines: how long to reach £10,000.
Review monthly inputs: monthly contributions and compounding.

Common mistakes

Using one optimistic rate as if guaranteed.
Forgetting the starting amount.
Changing multiple variables at once when solving.
Ignoring fees, taxes, or inflation.

FAQ

How do I calculate the monthly amount to reach a goal?

Set timeline and rate, then adjust monthly contributions until the ending balance meets the goal.

What rate should I use?

Test a conservative, base, and optimistic rate. Rates are assumptions, not guarantees.

How much does the timeline matter?

Shorter timelines require higher monthly contributions; longer timelines allow smaller amounts.

What if I already have a starting amount?

A higher starting balance reduces the monthly amount needed. Enter it in the calculator.

Can I increase contributions over time?

Yes. Model a higher monthly amount in later years to see the effect.

Does compounding frequency matter?

It shifts results slightly. Keep frequency consistent across scenarios.

Should I include inflation?

For a real-view, you can test a lower rate or higher goal to account for rising prices.

Are the results guaranteed?

No. They are scenario estimates; real returns vary.

Run three scenarios in the tool

Save conservative, base, and optimistic cases to find a monthly range that feels doable.

Open the calculator How long to reach £10,000