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Goal Seek Return Calculator
Find the annual return or the monthly contribution needed to reach a target amount.
Goal seek on returns
Required annual return: —
Required monthly contribution: —
Total contributions: —
Growth needed: —
Doubling time at that rate: —
Calculation: —
How to use the Goal Seek Return Calculator
- Enter the amount you are starting with and the target you want to reach.
- Set the number of years you are prepared to wait for the goal.
- Read the required annual return and the monthly contribution alternative.
Features
- Required annual return for a target
- Monthly contribution alternative
- Doubling time at the required rate
- Table comparing common return assumptions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the free online goal seek return calculator.
Divide the target by the starting amount, take the root of the number of years, and subtract
one to get the annual rate.
The same target needs a much higher annual return over five years than over thirty, so the
time frame sets the difficulty.
It is the amount to save each month, with no investment growth at all, to reach the target by
the end of the period.
Yes. It assumes no market return, so it is the safer number if you want a plan that does not
depend on performance.
It is how long the money takes to double at the required return, calculated from the rule of
seventy two.
No positive return is needed, and the calculator reports a negative rate that reflects the
smaller target.
A diversified global share portfolio has historically returned around five to eight percent a
year after inflation is ignored.
No. Enter an inflation adjusted target if you want the answer in today's purchasing
power.
Yes. If the target is below the starting amount, the required annual return is negative,
which means a planned loss.
Yes. It is free, works locally and is an educational estimate rather than financial advice.
Last updated: October 10, 2026