Savings Goal Timeline Calculator
Map your savings goal and timeline
Model how steady contributions and compounding can change a balance over time. Enter your goal and contributions to see how long it takes to get there or solve for what you need to save each period.
Summary
Growth chart
The chart shows projected balance over time. If inflation is set, a real (inflation adjusted) line is included.
Scenarios
Save runs and compare them side by side.
Side by side comparison
| Scenario | Goal | Time to goal | Contributions | Returns | Completion |
|---|
Scenario comparison
Add two or more scenarios, then run Compare scenarios.
Timeline breakdown
| Period | Year | Start | Contribution | Return | End | % of goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Run a calculation to see the breakdown. | ||||||
Disclaimer
Estimates are illustrative and for educational purposes only. This Savings Goal Timeline Calculator does not provide financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Results depend on your inputs and assumptions and may not reflect real-world outcomes, fees, taxes, inflation, or contribution timing.
Results explainer
Your results tell you two things: when you could reach the target and how much you might put in along the way. You’ll also see how much of the final balance is your own deposits versus growth, plus an optional “today’s dollars” view after inflation.
How it works
The calculator walks through each period, grows the balance by your return assumption, adds your contribution, and repeats. Turn on the real view to see a quick “today’s dollars” take after inflation.
Inputs used
- Goal amount and current savings
- Contribution amount and frequency
- Expected annual return and compounding
- Optional annual contribution increases
- Optional inflation rate for a simple real view
Core formulas
- Per period return: r ÷ n where n is periods per year
- Balance next = Balance current × (1 + r/n) + contribution
- Goal progress: end balance ÷ target
- Real view (optional): end balance ÷ (1 + inflation)^years
Calculation steps
- Convert the annual rate into a per period rate based on your frequency.
- Apply any yearly bump to contributions if you set one.
- Grow the balance each period with that per period rate.
- Add the contribution for that period after growth.
- Track goal progress as the balance changes.
- Optional: deflate balances by (1 + inflation)^years for a simple real view.
Example scenario
You set a $25,000 goal, have $2,000 saved, and add $400 a month. At a 5% annual return with monthly compounding and no yearly bump, the model lands near the goal in about four and a half years. Turn on a 2% inflation view to see the “today” value of that future balance. If contributions were $450, the timeline shortens; if the return assumption were lower, the timeline extends.
Interpretation notes
- Earlier or larger contributions usually move the date more than small rate tweaks.
- Inflation is illustrative; your personal spending mix may differ.
- Frequent missed contributions can add months even if returns stay steady.
- Higher compounding frequency can shorten the path if the rate holds.
- Saved scenarios can show how the timeline changes when inputs shift.
Limitations & assumptions
Returns are modeled as a steady annual rate with fixed compounding, but real markets move. Taxes, fees, penalties, and account rules are not included. Contributions are assumed to arrive on schedule, with increases applied once a year if you set them. Inflation is a single percentage for a simple real view and will not match every spending basket. The tool is directional, not a forecast or advice.
FAQs
What does this tool estimate?
It projects how long it may take to reach a savings target based on your contributions, return assumption, frequency, and optional inflation view.
What’s included or excluded?
Included: goal, current balance, contributions, return rate, compounding, optional increases, and optional inflation. Excluded: taxes, fees, penalties, and market volatility.
What assumptions are used?
A single annual return, fixed compounding, scheduled contributions, and one inflation percentage for a simple real view. No employer matches or account rules are modeled.
Can I save or export scenarios?
Yes. Save scenarios for side by side comparisons, export the table to CSV, and download a PDF snapshot after running a calculation.
Is my data private?
Calculations run in your browser. Nothing is stored or sent unless you export files locally.
Is this financial advice?
No. It is an educational model. Speak with a qualified professional for personal advice.
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