Savings interest calculator

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Savings account summary

With an initial deposit of £5,000 and monthly contributions of £100 for 5 years at an annual interest rate of 3.00%, your savings could grow to £12,274. That's a total contribution of £11,000, with interest earnings of £1,274. It's a secure way to build up your savings over time.

Here's a closer look:

  • You start with an initial deposit of £5,000.
  • Adding £100 each month for 5 years totals £6,000 in contributions.
  • Your total balance grows to £12,274, where £1,274 is the result of interest compounded daily.

Compound interest

The strength of a savings account lies in the power of compound interest. This means that the interest you earn each period is added to your principal, forming a new base for future interest calculations. Over time, this results in exponentially increasing your savings.

For instance, with a 3.00% annual interest rate (compounded daily) over 5 years, you'll see your savings gradually increase due to the compounding effect. Initially, the interest amounts might seem modest, but as your balance grows, even small percentage gains become significant amounts.

Year-by-year savings breakdown

YearBalanceTotal ContributionsTotal Growth
0£5,000£5,000£0
1£6,369£6,200£169
2£7,780£7,400£380
3£9,233£8,600£633
4£10,731£9,800£931
5£12,274£11,000£1,274

Frequency of contributions

  • Regular monthly contributions are key in a savings plan. Increasing your monthly contribution to £200 can raise your total balance at the end of 5 years to £15,484, demonstrating the impact of saving more frequently.
  • Duration of savings: Extending the duration of your savings can significantly increase the total interest earned. For example, saving over 10 years, instead of 5, could increase your total balance to £20,664, showing the dramatic effect of longer compounding periods.

Safety and Predictability

Unlike investments in the stock market, a savings account can offer a fixed interest rate, providing stability and predictability. Your principal is safe, and the growth through interest is guaranteed as per the terms of your account, making it a reliable option for managing part of your financial portfolio.

The FSCS guarantees your money up to £85,000 per person, per institution. Joint accounts have protection up to £170,000. Find out here if your bank or building society is covered by checking the Financial Services Register.