Topic guide
Calculator Methodology
Formulas, data definitions, timing rules, and calculation choices that explain how investment projections are produced.
3 published articles in this topic.
Calculator MethodologyScenario Planning
Beginning vs End-of-Month Contributions in an Investment Calculator
Learn why contribution timing changes a projection, how the calculation works, and how to compare tools using consistent assumptions.
Investment AssumptionsCalculator Methodology
S&P 500 Price Return vs Total Return: What Your Calculator Is Measuring
Understand the difference between S&P 500 price return and total return, how dividends change the result, and which assumption to use in a projection.
Calculator MethodologyScenario Planning
Why S&P 500 Calculators Give Different Results
Learn why S&P 500 calculations differ when tools use different dividend, contribution timing, compounding, fee, tax, inflation, and return assumptions.