ROI vs Compound Interest
Return on a lump sum vs growing savings over time
ROI calculators answer “what did I earn on this investment?” Compound interest answers “what if I keep contributing?” They complement each other for portfolios and savings plans.
ROI calculator
Percent return between start and end value, including optional cash flows.
Open calculatorCompound interest
Future value with recurring contributions and compounding frequency.
Open calculatorBottom line
Use ROI for a finished bet or property flip; use compound interest for 401(k), ISA, or monthly investing habits.
FAQ
- Can ROI and compound interest give the same answer?
- For a single deposit with no contributions, they can align. With monthly savings, compound interest is the better model.
- Do these include inflation?
- Run our inflation calculator separately to translate nominal results into purchasing power.