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Savings Goal Calculator

How much to save each month to hit a target.

Your details

years
%

Interest compounds monthly.

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Save this calculation, change an input, then save again to see the difference.

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Required monthly contribution

$360.41/mo

To reach $30,000 in 5 years

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Goal

$30,000

You'll contribute

$26,625

over 60 months

Interest earned

$3,375.22

Helps you get there

How the goal is funded

How the goal is funded
ItemValue
Your contributions$26,625
Interest$3,375.22

This works backwards from your target: it grows your current savings at the expected rate, then calculates the fixed monthly amount needed to cover the rest by your deadline. Interest does some of the work, so the more time (and the higher the rate), the less you need to set aside each month.

Recommendations

  • Automate the monthly transfer on payday so saving happens before you can spend it.
  • Keep goal money in a high-yield savings account or money-market fund to actually earn the rate.
  • If the monthly figure is too high, extend the timeline or trim the goal rather than abandoning it.

Watch out

  • For short-term goals, don't chase high returns with risky investments — a market dip could arrive right before your deadline.
  • Rates on savings accounts change; revisit the plan if yours moves a lot.

Pro tips

  • Breaking a big goal into monthly milestones makes progress feel achievable.
  • Windfalls (bonuses, tax refunds) can knock months off your timeline.

Was this calculator useful?

Big savings goals — a house deposit, a wedding, an emergency fund — feel less daunting when you know the monthly number. This calculator works backwards from your target to tell you exactly how much to set aside.

Working backwards from the goal

Rather than guessing, we start with where you want to end up. Your existing savings grow at the expected rate, and the calculator solves for the fixed monthly contribution that closes the remaining gap by your deadline.

Let interest help

The interest your savings earn reduces how much you personally need to contribute. Over longer horizons this effect is significant, which is another reason to start early and to keep your money somewhere that actually pays a competitive rate.

If the number feels too big

You have three levers: the goal amount, the timeframe and the monthly contribution. Stretching the timeline or trimming the target both lower the monthly figure — a realistic plan you stick to beats an ambitious one you abandon.

Frequently asked questions

Enough that your contributions plus expected interest reach your goal by your deadline. This calculator computes that exact figure from your target, current savings, timeframe and rate.

For goals within a few years, prioritise safety and liquidity: high-yield savings accounts, money-market funds or short-term CDs, rather than volatile investments.

Extend the timeline, lower the goal, or increase your income/cut expenses to free up cash. A longer horizon lets interest do more of the work.

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Buying a home · step 4 of 4

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