Rule of 72 Calculator

Estimate how long it takes to double your money.

Input

%
Quick Select
Formula
72 ÷ 7 = 10.3 yr

Years to Double

10.3yr

Investment doubles by 2036

How it Works

Divide 72 by your annual return rate to estimate the years needed to double your investment. It works in reverse too: divide 72 by your target years to find the required annual rate.

Doubling Timeline

2x
10.3yr
2036
4x
20.6yr
2047
8x
30.9yr
2057
16x
41.1yr
2067

@ 7% annual return

Asset Comparison

AssetTypical ReturnDoubles In
Savings~1%72 yr
Bonds~4%18 yr
Real Estate~7%10.3 yr
S&P 500~10%7.2 yr
Growth Stocks~15%4.8 yr

Inflation Impact

The Rule of 72 also reveals how fast inflation erodes purchasing power. At 3% annual inflation, prices double in just 24 years — meaning your money's purchasing power is cut in half.

2% inflation
halves in 36 yr
3% inflation
halves in 24 yr
5% inflation
halves in 14.4 yr
8% inflation
halves in 9 yr

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