Lunch Savings Calculator
Use this calculator to see how a simple change such as bringing a bagged lunch to work can really add up.
How the lunch savings calculator works
It converts the cost of buying lunch on your work days into a monthly amount, then invests that money at your chosen return for the years you set, showing what a small daily habit becomes when it compounds.
Worked example: with cost of buying lunch of $14, days per week of 5 and annual return of 6.00%, the lunch savings calculator shows invested instead, it becomes of $140,152.
- Total set aside
- $72,800
- Investment growth
- $67,352
- Future value
- $140,152
- Monthly amount
- $303.33
The formula
Monthly saving = daily cost × days per week × 52 ÷ 12. That amount is grown each month at your rate of return.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Confirm exact figures with your lender, plan administrator or advisor.
Questions about the lunch savings calculator
Can skipping lunch out really build wealth?
Yes — small, regular amounts compound powerfully. A modest daily lunch cost, invested instead over many years, can grow into tens of thousands of dollars.
What return should I assume?
Use a realistic long-run figure for where you would invest the savings — a few percent for cash, more for a diversified portfolio with greater risk.
Do I have to give up lunch entirely?
No — the point is the difference. Bringing lunch even a few days a week, and investing what you save, still produces a meaningful result over time.
Is the Lunch Savings Calculator free to use?
Yes. Every calculator on FinCalculators is completely free, with no sign-up, login or paywall. You can run as many scenarios as you like.