The concept
Modelling a commodity holding like any other asset
Gold and other commodities don't pay interest or dividends — any gain comes entirely from price appreciation. This calculator applies an assumed annual price-change rate to a current holdings value and any recurring purchases, the same way a savings or investment calculator projects a balance forward.
Commodity prices are historically volatile and cyclical, and can also decline for extended periods. The assumed rate is a single scenario you choose to test, not a forecast or a guarantee of future price direction.
The method
How the calculation works
The current holdings value is compounded monthly at the assumed annual rate. Recurring monthly purchases are treated as equal end-of-month contributions and future-valued using the same rate, then added to the compounded current value.
The current value compounds at the assumed price-change rate, and each recurring purchase is treated as an equal end-of-month contribution.
Worked example
A neutral example
For $5,000 in existing holdings, $100 in monthly purchases, an assumed 5% annual price change and a 10-year period, the calculator projects the combined value under those exact assumptions.
This example explains the method. It does not recommend a financial action or predict an outcome.
Frequently asked
Gold & Commodity Investment Calculator questions
Does this calculator include storage or insurance costs for physical metal?+
No. Those costs reduce a real-world return but are excluded from this simplified projection unless you net them out of the assumed rate yourself.
Can I use this for silver, platinum or other commodities, not just gold?+
Yes. Enter the current dollar value of any commodity holding and an assumed annual price-change rate — the maths is the same regardless of which commodity it represents.
Does the assumed rate account for commodity price volatility?+
No. It applies one constant annual rate across the full period. Real commodity prices move unevenly and can have long stretches of decline, so consider testing a lower and higher rate to see the range of outcomes.