Current for 2026•As of: July 2026

Capital Requirement Calculator calculate your savings goal.

Calculate how much you need to save each month to reach your financial goal – including the compound interest effect.

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Your savings goal

What are you saving for?

Target amount

€

1,000 €500,000 €

Time horizon

In how many years?

years

1 years40 years

Your starting point

Existing capital

€

0 €100,000 €

Expected return p.a.

0.0 %12.0 %

Return guidance

0-2%: savings and time deposit accounts (very safe)
3-5%: bond ETFs, mixed funds (conservative)
5-7%: world ETFs like MSCI World (long-term)
7-10%: equity-heavy portfolios (higher risk)

Note

The calculations are based on a constant return. In reality, returns fluctuate. The longer the time horizon, the more likely the assumed average returns become.

Required monthly savings rate

€501

per month for 10 years

Target amount

€100,000

Shortfall

€82,092

Wealth accumulation

Total contributions€70,111

Interest earned+€29,889

Interest share29.9%

ContributionsInterest

Savings rate at different returns

0% return€750/month

3% return€619/month

5% return€539/month

7% return€464/month

10% return€362/month

Higher returns lower the required savings rate, but come with more risk.

Alternative time horizons

€100/month24 years

€250/month16 years

€500/month10 years

€1,000/month6 years

€2,000/month4 years

Wealth development

Year 1GoalYear 10

Tips for your savings goal

Automate your savings rate with a standing order
Take advantage of compound interest by saving early
Higher returns bring more risk – diversify
Adjust your time horizon if the savings rate is too high

Important note

These calculations are for non-binding information only and do not replace professional tax advice. All information without guarantee. Learn more

Sources & calculation basis

Our calculations are based on the following official sources (as of: July 2026):

Authority
Bundesministerium der Finanzen
Official tax tables and payroll calculation guidelines
Law
Einkommensteuergesetz (EStG)
Legal basis for income tax calculation

Related guides

Keeping a Budgeting Journal

Calculating your savings rate: how to reach your goal

The required monthly savings rate depends on three factors: the target amount, the time horizon and the expected return. The more time you have and the higher the return, the less you need to set aside each month.

The compound interest effect is your best friend here: over long periods, the interest earned can even exceed the sum of your own contributions.

Typical savings goals

Down payment for a home: 20-30% of the purchase price. For a €400,000 home, that is €80,000-120,000 plus closing costs.
Emergency fund: 3-6 months of expenses in an easily accessible savings account for unforeseen costs.
New car: Paying in cash avoids financing costs. Typical range: €15,000-40,000 for a new car.
Sabbatical: 6-12 months of salary for a career break without financial worries.

Calculation examples

€100,000 in 10 years (6% return)

€100,000 in 10 years (6% return)
Item	Amount
Target amount	€100,000
Time horizon	10 years
Expected return	6% p.a.
Monthly savings rate	€610
Your total contributions	€73,225
Interest earned	€26,775

€100,000 in 20 years (6% return)

€100,000 in 20 years (6% return)
Item	Amount
Target amount	€100,000
Time horizon	20 years
Expected return	6% p.a.
Monthly savings rate	€216
Your total contributions	€51,943
Interest earned	€48,057

Return: more growth, lower savings rate

The rate of return has a huge impact on the required savings rate. At a higher return, your money works harder for you. But: higher returns also mean higher risk.

Savings rate for €100,000 in 10 years

0% return (savings account): €833/month required
3% return (bonds): €716/month required
5% return (mixed): €644/month required
7% return (equity ETF): €578/month required
10% return (high risk): €488/month required

Frequently asked questions about capital requirement

Everything you need to know about calculating your savings rate

The savings rate depends on three factors: target amount, time horizon and expected return. Our calculator uses the savings plan formula to determine the exact monthly rate, including the compound interest effect.

With compound interest, not only your contributions earn interest, but also the interest already received. Over long periods, the interest share can even exceed the contribution share – that is the power of compound interest.

Savings accounts: ~0-2%, bonds: ~3-4%, world ETFs (MSCI World): historically ~7% p.a. The higher the return, the higher the risk. For long-term goals (10+ years), equity ETFs are often a sensible choice.

Banks recommend 20-30% of the purchase price as a down payment. For a €400,000 purchase price, that is €80,000-120,000. In addition, you should be able to cover the closing costs (~10-15%).

A recommended size is 3-6 months of expenses. At €2,000 in monthly expenses, that is €6,000-12,000. If you are self-employed or in an uncertain job situation, aim for 6-12 months of expenses instead.

The longer your time horizon, the more you benefit from compound interest and the lower the required savings rate. For a 10-year goal of €100,000 at a 6% return: ~€610/month. Over 20 years: only ~€216/month.

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