Long-term planning

Finance Calculator

Solve one time-value-of-money variable at a time: future value, present value, or payment. Enter the remaining values, choose the target field, and use the breakdown to see how starting principal, payments, and growth interact.

Last reviewed May 17, 2026 by ToolSpilo Editorial Team.

Review method: Reviewed against the implemented end-of-period TVM equation and zero-rate fallback; mode limitations and payment-timing assumptions were clarified.

For informational purposes only. Not financial, investment, or tax advice. Results are estimates based on the inputs provided. Consult a qualified financial professional before making financial decisions.

Calculator tool

How this calculator works

Use the explanation to understand the formula, assumptions, and practical limits behind the calculator result.

What This Calculator Solves

This calculator handles three common time-value-of-money tasks:

  • Solve for future value (FV)
  • Solve for present value (PV)
  • Solve for payment (PMT)

The field you choose to solve for is recalculated from the other inputs.

Core Equation

Where:

  • PVPV — present value
  • FVFV — future value
  • PMTPMT — payment at the end of each period
  • rr — rate per period
  • nn — number of periods
FV=PV×(1+r)n+PMT×(1+r)n−1rFV = PV \times (1+r)^n + PMT \times \frac{(1+r)^n - 1}{r}

When the rate is zero, the formula simplifies to:

FV=PV+PMT×nFV = PV + PMT \times n

How the Three Modes Differ

  • In FV mode, you enter present value and recurring payments to project the future balance.
  • In PV mode, you enter a future target and payments to solve the amount needed today.
  • In PMT mode, you enter present value and future target to solve the payment required each period.

Worked Example

Suppose you start with 10,000, add 500 at the end of each month, earn 0.5% per month, and continue for 60 periods.

The future value is approximately 48,373.52. In FV mode, the result breakdown helps you separate:

  • Starting amount: 10,000
  • Total payments: 30,000
  • Growth: 8,373.52

Important Assumptions

This calculator assumes:

  • Payments happen at the end of each period
  • The rate stays constant
  • Every period has the same length
  • Fees, taxes, inflation, and variable rates are excluded

If your cash flows happen at the beginning of each period or vary from month to month, this simple TVM model is not the right one.

Frequently asked questions

What does time value of money mean?

It means money available today can be worth more than the same amount later because today's money can earn a return. The calculator uses that principle to connect present value, payments, growth rate, and future value.

Why does the payment timing matter?

This calculator assumes payments happen at the end of each period. A payment made at the beginning of the period has one extra period to grow, so an annuity-due calculation would produce a different result.

Which rate should I enter?

Enter the rate that matches the period count. If you use monthly periods, use a monthly rate. If you use annual periods, use an annual rate. Mixing annual rates with monthly periods is a common source of wrong results.

When should I use the dedicated present-value or future-value calculators instead?

Use the dedicated calculators when you want a more focused explanation for one task. Use this finance calculator when you need to switch quickly between FV, PV, and PMT using the same TVM framework.