Set a target and a monthly contribution, and find out when you'll get there.
A 'how long until I reach my goal' calculator finds the number of years it takes to grow your savings to a target, given what you've saved, how much you add each month, and your expected return.
Reaching a savings target faster comes down to three things: starting with more, contributing more each month, or earning a higher return. Contributions are the lever you control most directly and reliably, raising the monthly amount shortens the timeline predictably, while chasing a higher return means taking on more risk. Try adjusting each input above to see which moves your finish line the most.
The earlier your money goes in, the longer it compounds, so front-loading contributions shortens the timeline more than the same dollars added later. This is also why the last stretch toward a big goal often moves surprisingly fast, by then your balance is large enough that growth alone contributes a meaningful share of each year's progress, on top of what you add.
It depends on your starting balance, monthly contribution, and return. Enter them above for a year estimate, raising the monthly amount is usually the most reliable way to get there sooner.
Contributions are within your control and carry no extra risk; a higher return means more risk. Early on, contributions dominate; later, growth on a large balance matters more.
The estimate uses nominal dollars. If your goal is years away, size the target to future prices, since a fixed amount buys less over time.
See the exact formula and a worked example on our methodology page.