Work backward from a savings goal so you can see how much to save each month and how long it may take.
Who this is for
People saving for a goal like travel, a home, a car, or a larger cash reserve.
What to type in
Your goal amount, how much you already have, how much you can add each month, and your time target.
Start with the assumptions, then use the interpretation below to compare tradeoffs without bouncing between sections.
Start with the goal, then fill in what you already have and what you can save each month.
Use these inputs as a quick setup row. The answer and visual breakdown sit below so you do not lose context.
Nominal pre-inflation return.
Used to calculate required monthly contribution.
Savings target
To reach $25,000.00 from $3,000.00, the model estimates about 40 months.
12.0% of the goal is already covered.
About $2,257.03 of the final amount comes from growth, while the rest comes from contributions.
$22,000.00 is the remaining amount you still need to close.
If the required monthly amount feels too high, extend the timeline or lower the goal before you give up on it.
Treat the monthly contribution like a fixed bill so the plan survives normal spending pressure.
Results
Relative comparison of your main outputs
Months to goal
40
Monthly needed
$861.00
Total contributions
$20.0K
Interest earned
$2,257.03
Current progress
12.0%
Months to goal
40
Monthly needed
$861.00
Total contributions
$20.0K
Interest earned
$2,257.03
Current progress
12.0%
Use this if you want to understand how the calculator works, not just plug in numbers.
Step 1
Enter your goal amount, current savings, and monthly contribution.
Step 2
Set expected annual return and optional target timeline.
Step 3
Review months-to-goal, required monthly contribution, and milestone progress.
These cover the assumptions, tradeoffs, and edge cases behind the calculator.
Use the calculator for the math, then use these guides to make the decision with more confidence.
50/30/20 Budget
Split take-home pay into needs, wants, and savings with baseline 50/30/20 or custom ratio budgeting in one clear view.
Compound Interest
Project long-term portfolio growth using principal, recurring contributions, and configurable compounding frequency.
Emergency Fund
Set a 3, 6, 9, or 12-month emergency-fund target, track progress, and estimate time-to-goal from your monthly savings rate.
Debt Payoff
Compare avalanche and snowball payoff plans and inspect month-by-month remaining balances.