GOAL-BASED INVESTING

How Much Do I Need to Invest Each Month to Reach $1 Million?

Start with the $1 million example or enter your own target. Adjust your starting balance, time horizon and hypothetical return to estimate the monthly contribution needed to reach your goal.

Calculate your monthly target

Starting amount ($)

Target amount ($)

Years

Months

Estimated annual return (%)

Estimated monthly investment needed

—

Rounded to the nearest dollar.

Starting amount: —

Future contributions: —

Estimated investment growth: —

Projected ending value: —

A simple baseline

With no starting balance, a 30-year time horizon and a hypothetical 7% annual return compounded monthly, the calculator estimates the monthly amount required to reach $1 million.

The result changes significantly when you change the time horizon or assumed return. Starting earlier generally reduces the monthly amount required.

Why time matters so much

Compounding has more time to work over longer periods. That means the difference between starting 10 years earlier or later can have a large effect on the monthly contribution needed to reach the same goal.

Important assumptions

This calculator assumes a constant annual return compounded monthly and regular contributions made at the end of each month.

It does not model taxes, investment fees, inflation, contribution timing differences or real-world market volatility.

Important: This is an educational hypothetical calculation only. It is not a prediction, guarantee, or recommendation to buy or sell any investment.

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