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529 College Savings Calculator

Calculate 529 plan growth for college savings. See projected value at age 18 from monthly contributions.

Results update instantly.Change any value and the estimate recalculates on the spot.

Money

529 college savings

Project how your 529 plan grows from monthly contributions until your child turns 18.

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Projected value at age 18

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  • Total contributions-
  • Investment growth-

Assumes monthly contributions at the start of each month and a fixed return. 529 earnings grow tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.

How it works

How the 529 College Savings Calculator works

Quick answer: Saving $200 a month in a 529 plan from age 5 at a 6% return grows to about $47,089 by age 18. You contribute $31,200; growth adds $15,889.

Formula

Value at 18 = balance × (1 + r)^n + monthly × ((1 + r)^n − 1) ÷ r

r is the annual return ÷ 12 and n is the number of months until age 18.

Worked example

Child age 5, $200 a month, $0 saved, 6% a year: $47,089 at 18 ($31,200 contributed, $15,889 growth).

Starting at age 5, 6% return

Monthly contributionValue at 18GrowthOpen
$100$23,545$7,945Open
$200$47,089$15,889Open
$300$70,634$23,834Open
$500$117,724$39,724Open
$750$176,585$59,585Open

Assumptions and limits

  • Withdrawals for qualified education expenses are federally tax-free; non-qualified earnings owe income tax plus a 10% penalty.
  • From 2026 the federal K-12 limit is $20,000 a year; state tax treatment varies.

Frequently asked questions

What is a 529 plan?

A tax-advantaged savings account for education; earnings grow tax-free for qualified expenses.

How much should I save monthly?

It depends on the college cost target and years left - this calculator shows the projected result.

Can unused 529 money go to a Roth IRA?

Yes, up to $35,000 over the beneficiary's lifetime if the account has been open more than 15 years, within the yearly Roth IRA limit.