Becoming a Millionaire

How long until you hit seven figures at your current pace?

Your plan

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$
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The finish line

You reach your goal in
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Assumes monthly contributions and monthly compounding at a constant return, in nominal dollars (not adjusted for inflation). Illustrative only.
About this calculator

Becoming a Millionaire

This becoming-a-millionaire calculator shows how long it takes to reach $1,000,000 (or any target) given what you've saved, what you add each month, and your expected return.

The monthly contribution does the heavy lifting

Reaching seven figures depends far more on how much you add each month, and for how long, than on chasing a higher return. Because contributions compound over decades, nudging the monthly amount up even modestly can pull the finish line in by years, try raising it above and watch the timeline shorten.

A million isn't what it used to be

This tool works in nominal dollars, so a future million will buy less than a million today, inflation of around 3% roughly halves purchasing power over 25 years. That doesn't make the goal meaningless, but it's worth targeting a number sized to the spending you'll actually have, which our retirement and FIRE calculators help you find.

How to use it

  1. Enter your target and what you've saved so far.
  2. Add your monthly contribution and expected return.
  3. See how many years until you reach the goal.
  4. Adjust the contribution or return to see the effect.

Frequently asked questions

How can I become a millionaire?

Consistent contributions plus time and compounding. Enter your numbers to see the timeline, small increases in the monthly amount can move it up by years.

Is a million dollars enough to retire?

It depends on your spending. Under the 4% rule, $1M supports roughly $40,000 a year. Our retirement and FIRE calculators find your personal number.

Does inflation affect this?

This tool uses nominal dollars, so a million dollars will buy less in the future than today, factor that into your target.

See the exact formula and a worked example on our methodology page.

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