Uneven Cash Flows Future Value Calculator

The future value (FV) of uneven cash flows is the total value at the end of the period of a cash flow series whose amounts may differ each period. The formula is FV = the sum of CF_t × (1+r) raised to (n−t), where CF_t is the cash flow at the end of period t, r is the per-period interest rate, and n is the number of periods. Example: cash flows 100, 200, and 300 over three periods at 10% per period give 121 + 220 + 300 = 641.

An annuity is a series of payments with the SAME amount each period, e.g. a 500 thousand deposit every month. Uneven cash flows let each period have a different amount, e.g. 100, then 200, then 300. For identical payments each period, use annuity-calculator, which is designed for that; this calculator is for series with varying amounts.

future-value-calculator-basic computes future value from one initial (lump sum) deposit plus regular deposits of a FIXED amount each period. This calculator differs: there is no fixed-deposit assumption; instead it accepts a free list of cash flows that may differ each period, then computes total FV along with each cash flow’s contribution.

Appropriate when cash flows differ per period — e.g. projecting the accumulated value of savings with changing deposits, valuing a project’s total receipts with fluctuating annual income, or comparing two cash flow plans with different patterns using the comparator mode. If cash flows are identical each period, an annuity calculator is simpler.

Both discount the same cash flow series; only the time direction differs. This calculator’s PV mode computes present value: PV = the sum of CF_t divided by (1+r) raised to t. Example: cash flows 100, 200, and 300 at 10% interest have a PV of 481.59. NPV (net present value) is that PV minus the initial investment; with an initial investment of 400, NPV = 481.59 − 400 = 81.59. For full feasibility analysis using NPV, see net-present-value-calculator; this calculator answers what the accumulated value of the cash flow series will be in the future.

At zero interest, the (1+r) multiplier becomes 1, so future value equals the plain sum of all cash flows. Example: cash flows 100, 200, and 300 at 0% interest give FV = 600. The same applies to PV.

No. This calculator’s results are educational estimates, not investment advice. The computation uses simple assumptions: a constant rate each period and no allowance for taxes, transaction costs, inflation, or default risk. For real financial decisions, consult a licensed financial planner.