Compound Goal Solver
From principal, annual return and target amount, solve for the years needed to reach the target with annual compounding.
Results
Fill in the inputs and click Calculate.
- Years Needed
- –
Risk disclaimer
Solves under a fixed annual-compounding assumption; not a promise of returns.
What does the goal solver compute?
Future value = principal × (1 + annual return)^years — this tool inverts that formula to solve for time.
Years are highly sensitive to the return assumption, making this useful for assessing long-term goals.
How to use
- Enter the principal.
- Enter the annual return (e.g. 10%).
- Enter the target amount (greater than principal) and click Calculate.
Formula
- Years = ln(target ÷ principal) ÷ ln(1 + annual return)
- Annual compounding basis
Example
Principal 10,000, 10% annual, target 20,000 → about 7.27 years to double.
At 20% annual the doubling time drops to about 3.8 years.
FAQ
Are returns guaranteed?
No. The annual return is your assumption; volatility moves the needed time either way.