529 Calculator
Sketch a 529 education nest egg from today’s balance, planned annual contributions, years until college, and an assumed return. Click any i for detail.
529 growth inputs
Current 529 balance ($)
i
Current balance
What is in the 529 plan today. |
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|---|---|
Annual contribution ($)
i
Annual contribution
Total you expect to add each year (all contributors combined). |
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Years until use
i
Years
Years until you expect to start drawing for education. |
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Expected return (%)
i
Expected return
Average annual return assumption after fees. |
How to use this calculator
- Enter today’s 529 balance.
- Add planned annual contributions.
- Set years until college and expected return.
- Read the projected balance and growth split.
Results explained
The headline is a future 529 balance sketch: starting balance plus monthly-equivalent contributions growing at your assumed return. State tax benefits and qualified-expense rules are not modeled.
Quick reference: 529 nest egg
Transparent planning assumptions.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Monthly add | Annual contribution ÷ 12 |
| Growth | Balance compounds monthly from assumed return |
| Not modeled | State tax deduction, gift-tax rules, fees beyond return assumption |
Compare other savings vehicles with the Roth IRA calculator or emergency fund calculator.
How the estimate is built
Each month the balance grows by the equivalent monthly rate from your return %, then one-twelfth of the annual contribution is added. Repeat for years × 12 months.
Example scenario
$12,000 today plus $6,000/year at 6% for 12 years typically projects into the low six figures — change return ±1% to see how sensitive college savings are.
FAQ
Are 529 contributions tax-deductible federally?
Federal income tax does not deduct 529 contributions; many states offer a state deduction or credit. Confirm your state rules.
What if the child does not attend college?
Beneficiary changes and qualified non-college options exist; non-qualified withdrawals can face tax and penalty on earnings.
Does this enforce contribution limits?
No annual IRS contribution limit like an IRA — gift-tax annual exclusion and plan limits may still apply. Not enforced here.
Age-based portfolios?
Many 529s glide to bonds as college nears. Your return assumption should match the glide path you expect.