529 College Savings Calculator
Project a child’s 529 college savings balance from current funds and monthly contributions. Compare that balance with future college costs after tuition inflation and your chosen coverage target. The estimate shows the monthly saving needed to close the gap and an optional state deduction benefit based on limits and rates you confirm.
Your scenario
Enter your own numbers or load the worked example. Values are calculated in this browser and are not saved.
Your estimate
Complete the scenario to see a result, its breakdown and limitations.
Monthly amortization schedule
| Month | Payment | Interest | Principal | Balance |
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Next steps
Check the assumptions with your records before making a decision. Related calculators can help compare the next part of your plan.
How the estimate works
Compound the starting balance and end-of-month contributions until enrollment. Inflate each college year’s cost and discount later withdrawals to enrollment using the selected return. Solve for the monthly contribution needed to meet the selected coverage share.
Worked example
With $10,000 saved, $300 monthly for 13 years and 0% return, the projected enrollment balance is $56,800. Inflation changes the target costs, not this zero-return savings total.
Sources and review scope
Source comparison: 2026-09-23. Methodology owner: Toolistify. Implementation reviewed through automated source checks and regression tests; this is not professional tax, legal, benefits or financial certification.
Calculation inputs stay in this page; CSV downloads are created locally. The optional sales-tax lookup has separate disclosure above. Privacy · Corrections
Questions and answers
Are 529 contributions federally deductible?
No. Federal advantages generally concern qualifying distributions. State deductions and credits vary.
Does this guarantee tuition coverage?
No. Actual returns, tuition, qualified expenses and withdrawal timing can differ from the assumptions.