Structured settlement calculator
Calculate the present value of structured settlement payments.
Inputs
Future payment stream (U.S.)
Results
Present value and payment stream
Present value (lump sum)
$303,051
Total of all payments
$480,000
Payment per period
$2,000
Remaining value over time
Present value of remaining payments at start of each year (20 years)
Payments received by year
All 20 years. Fixed payment per period, so the same amount each year.
Yearly breakdown
First 15 years. Download full schedule for all 20 years.
| Year | Payments in year | Cumulative | Remaining PV (start) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $24,000 | $24,000 | $303,051 |
| 2 | $24,000 | $48,000 | $279,688 |
| 3 | $24,000 | $72,000 | $257,463 |
| 4 | $24,000 | $96,000 | $236,319 |
| 5 | $24,000 | $120,000 | $216,205 |
| 6 | $24,000 | $144,000 | $197,069 |
| 7 | $24,000 | $168,000 | $178,865 |
| 8 | $24,000 | $192,000 | $161,547 |
| 9 | $24,000 | $216,000 | $145,072 |
| 10 | $24,000 | $240,000 | $129,398 |
| 11 | $24,000 | $264,000 | $114,488 |
| 12 | $24,000 | $288,000 | $100,303 |
| 13 | $24,000 | $312,000 | $86,809 |
| 14 | $24,000 | $336,000 | $73,971 |
| 15 | $24,000 | $360,000 | $61,758 |
Payment schedule
First 15 periods. Download full schedule for all 240 periods.
| Period | Payment | PV of payment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,000 | $1,992 |
| 2 | $2,000 | $1,983 |
| 3 | $2,000 | $1,975 |
| 4 | $2,000 | $1,967 |
| 5 | $2,000 | $1,959 |
| 6 | $2,000 | $1,951 |
| 7 | $2,000 | $1,943 |
| 8 | $2,000 | $1,935 |
| 9 | $2,000 | $1,927 |
| 10 | $2,000 | $1,919 |
| 11 | $2,000 | $1,911 |
| 12 | $2,000 | $1,903 |
| 13 | $2,000 | $1,895 |
| 14 | $2,000 | $1,887 |
| 15 | $2,000 | $1,879 |
How It Works
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the structured settlement calculator:
1. Enter Your Payment Details
- Future payment stream (U.S. $): Enter the dollar amount you receive with each payment. For example, $2,000.
- Monthly: Enter the number of monthly payments you expect to receive. For instance, 20 years of monthly payments is 240 total periods.
- Discount rate (%): Input the annual discount rate. This rate reflects how the value of money changes over time due to inflation or investment returns. For example, 5%.
Click Calculate to generate your results. Use Reset to clear all fields and start over.
2. Review Your Results
The calculator displays the following key results:
- Present value (lump sum): The total value of all your future payments in today's dollars.
- Total of all payments: The sum of all the scheduled payments you will receive over the full period.
- Payment per period: The fixed payment amount you entered.
3. Analyze Breakdown Charts and Schedules
- Remaining value over time: A chart shows how the present value of your remaining payments declines each year as you receive your payments.
- Payments received by year: This chart tracks cumulative payments by year, making it easy to visualize your cash flow.
- Yearly breakdown: See how much you receive each year, your cumulative total, and the remaining present value at the start of each year.
- Payment schedule: View a detailed breakdown for each payment period, including the present value of each individual payment.
You can download a full schedule for all periods if you need a more comprehensive record.
4. Export and Share
- Copy: Instantly copy your results to share or save elsewhere.
- Export PDF: Download your calculations as a PDF for your records.
- Export Excel: Export your full payment schedule and results as an Excel file for further analysis or reporting.
These features make it easy to keep track of your settlement or share information with advisors or family members.
Understanding Structured Settlements
A structured settlement is a financial arrangement in which an individual receives a series of future payments, typically as the result of a legal settlement or insurance payout.
Instead of receiving a single lump sum, recipients get regular payments over a set period, often years or decades. This approach can provide long-term financial security, help manage large sums responsibly, and reduce the risk of spending funds too quickly.
However, life circumstances and financial needs change. You may want to understand what your future payments are worth in today's dollars. This is called the present value of your settlement. Knowing the present value can help you make informed decisions, such as whether to accept a lump sum settlement or plan for future expenses.
How This Calculator Helps
This structured settlement calculator is designed to help you estimate the present value of your remaining payments. By entering your payment details, you can quickly see:
- The present value (lump sum) of your future payments
- The total amount you will receive over time
- The payment amount per period
- A yearly breakdown of payments and the remaining present value
- A detailed payment schedule for individual periods
You can also easily copy your results, download a PDF or Excel file, and view charts that show how your settlement value changes over time. This tool gives you a clear, practical overview so you can plan your financial future with confidence.