Glossary term
Future value
Future value is the estimated later value of a starting amount, recurring contributions, or both after applying growth over time.
Plain meaning
What future value means
Future value projects money forward. It combines the amount already available, new contributions where applicable, the time period, contribution timing, and an assumed growth rate.
Calculator context
How OpenBook uses it
Future value appears in savings, investment growth, education, retirement, and goal calculators. It is often used to estimate what an account, goal fund, or contribution schedule may grow to under entered assumptions.
Many calculators assume a steady rate. That makes the math transparent, but it does not simulate market volatility, changing contribution amounts, fees, taxes, or sequence of returns unless the calculator says so.