https://calculating.ca/calculators/finance-money/future-goal-lump-sum-calculator/
Finance & Money / THE MITEY TOOLKIT
Future Goal Lump Sum
Find the amount that would need to be invested today to reach an entered future target without further contributions.
Starting amount required in this scenario
$55,526.45
From your inputs. Explore the breakdown below.
- Additional amount to invest now
- $30,526.45
- Current savings at the goal date
- $45,023.59
- Entered future target
- $100,000.00
- Further contributions modeled
- None
- This is an inverse growth calculation, not a forecast or a safe retirement target.
- The future target and return assumption must use a consistent treatment of inflation, tax and costs.
CHANGE ONE VARIABLEWhat moves your answer?
Compare five values while keeping every other input the same. These are scenarios, not likelihoods or forecasts.
| Input value | Primary result | Use scenario |
|---|
BEHIND THE ANSWER
Formula and method
Starting amount = future target / (1 + annual effective return)^years.
The target is discounted using the entered constant effective annual return. Current savings and the required starting amount are projected over the same period without additional contributions. Chart points show each year using the same annual growth convention.
Context sources checked October 24, 2026
These sources explain the subject. The model follows the formula and assumptions shown here; a source link does not imply endorsement.
Worked examples
A fifteen-year illustrative target
- Target amount in future dollars:
- 100000
- Current amount invested:
- 25000
- Annual effective return assumption:
- 4
- Years to the goal:
- 15
Starting amount required in this scenario: $55,526.45
No-growth target
- Target amount in future dollars:
- 20000
- Current amount invested:
- 5000
- Annual effective return assumption:
- 0
- Years to the goal:
- 10
Starting amount required in this scenario: $20,000.00
Assumptions and limits
- No future contributions, withdrawals or changing return path.
- No separate tax, fee or inflation adjustment; choose consistent target and return assumptions.
- No investment selection, retirement adequacy or return guarantee.
This tool provides an educational estimate. Rules, rates and personal circumstances can change the answer. Review the assumptions before relying on a result. Report a correction.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating an illustrative rate as a lender quote or a return forecast.
- Comparing scenarios with different time periods or leaving out relevant fees.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from a regular savings calculator?
It works backwards from a future target to an amount invested today. A contribution calculator instead solves for ongoing deposits, while a growth calculator starts with deposits and projects a future balance.
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