Required Return Calculator

Solve for the annual rate of return a lump sum needs to earn to grow from where it is today to a target value by a future date — the reverse of a growth projection.

Quick answer: Solve for the annual rate of return a lump sum needs to earn to grow from today's value to a target value by a future date. Enter Current Value, Target Value, and Years to Reach Target to personalize the estimate. It returns Required Annual Return, Total Dollar Growth Needed, and Total Growth Needed so you can compare the impact before choosing a next step. Use it to compare long-term value, tax impact, risk, time horizon, and contribution choices.

Required Annual Return

11.61%

Required Annual Return

11.61%

Total Dollar Growth Needed

$100,000

Total Growth Needed

200.00%

Diagnostic

To grow $50,000 to $150,000 in 10 years, you need a required annual return of 11.61%.

This assumes a single lump sum with no further contributions and steady, unchanging annual growth — real markets don't compound in a straight line.

Compare brokerage accounts

What to do next

Compare brokerage accounts ->

Your action plan

1
Set the target and timeline for this plan
Solve for the annual rate of return a lump sum needs to earn to grow from today's value to a target value by a future date.
2
Pressure-test one alternate scenario before deciding
Assumptions change the answer, especially when rates, taxes, or timing matter.
3
Save the result to Money Map or use the linked next action
Turn the result into a prioritized action instead of treating it as a one-off number.

Compare brokerage accounts

This is an educational estimate, not tax, legal, investment, or lending advice. Tax rules, rates, and eligibility change and depend on your full situation. Confirm with a qualified professional or the provider before acting.

Calculator action path

Turn this result into a decision

Every SwitchWize calculator connects to a product comparison, rate context, guidance, alerts, and Money Map.

Rate authority hub

Compare

Compare brokerage accounts ->Move from calculation to current product options.

Rate Trend

Track fed fundsUse market context before you decide when to act.

Guide

Best Cash Accounts for Investors: Brokerage Cash, Savings, and Money FundsInvestors have more cash choices than ever: high-yield savings, brokerage sweeps, cash management accounts, money market funds, and app cash. Here is how to choose.

Money Map

Add this scenario to Money MapTurn the result into a saved opportunity or plan item.

Alert

Create a rate alertWatch the market instead of checking manually.

Free to embed

Add this calculator to your site

Paste this snippet into any page. No account or API key required, the widget is responsive, and it updates with live rates. A SwitchWize attribution link is included in the embed automatically.

<iframe src="https://www.switchwize.com/embed/required-return" width="100%" height="680" loading="lazy" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:14px;max-width:100%;width:100%" title="SwitchWize calculator"></iframe>
<script>(function(){window.addEventListener("message",function(e){if(e.origin!=="https://www.switchwize.com")return;var d=e.data;if(!d||d.type!=="sw-embed-resize")return;var f=document.getElementsByTagName("iframe");for(var i=0;i<f.length;i++){if(f[i].contentWindow===e.source){f[i].style.height=d.height+"px";break;}}});})();</script>

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know.

What does the Required Return Calculator show?

Solve for the annual rate of return a lump sum needs to earn to grow from where it is today to a target value by a future date — the reverse of a growth projection.

How should I use the result?

Use the result as a planning and comparison aid. Review the assumptions, adjust your inputs, and compare the output with your actual options before acting.

What should I do after using this calculator?

Use the related links and next-action modules on the page to compare products, continue in Money Map, or review related guidance on SwitchWize.

Is the Required Return Calculator free to use?

Yes. SwitchWize calculators are free, and you do not need an account to run scenarios or view the result.

Does using the Required Return Calculator affect my credit score?

No. Using a calculator does not trigger a credit check. A credit impact can occur only if you apply directly with a lender, card issuer, or provider.

Are the results personalized financial advice?

No. Calculator outputs are educational estimates based on the inputs you enter. Review assumptions and confirm terms directly with providers before making a financial decision.

What should I do after seeing the result?

Use the recommendation module on this page to compare brokerage accounts ->, or run Money Map to compare this investing & retirement decision with your other opportunities.

How does SwitchWize choose related offers?

Related offers are matched by the calculator surface (brokerage) and ranked using SwitchWize data such as rate, fees, trust signals, product fit, and switching friction. Paid relationships do not change organic ranking order.

How fresh are the rates and offers shown?

Rate and offer data is reviewed on a recurring cadence and every offer module shows review context or links to the methodology and disclosure pages.

Where can I see the ranking methodology?

The SwitchWize methodology page explains how rate freshness, editorial review, affiliate disclosure, and category ranking factors work.

Can Money Map use this result?

Yes. Money Map is the broader diagnostic path: it compares savings, mortgage, cards, and debt so you can see whether this calculator result is your highest-impact next move.