52-Week Savings Challenge Calculator (increasing or reverse)

How it works

In week k you save k × the step, so the 52 deposits add up to step × (1 + 2 + … + 52) = step × 1,378. After w weeks the increasing plan has saved step × w(w + 1) ÷ 2. The reverse plan starts with the largest deposit (52 × step) and saves (53 − k) × step in week k, so after w weeks it has saved step × (53w − w(w + 1) ÷ 2) — the same total, but most of it early, when motivation is highest. Interest is not included.

⚠ Estimates for information only — not financial advice.

FAQ

How much does the classic challenge save?

With a step of 1 (1, 2, 3 … 52) it saves 1,378 in a year; with a step of 10 it saves 13,780. In Korea a step of 1,000 won gives 1,378,000 won.

Why do the reverse version?

The last weeks of the normal challenge need the biggest deposits, often around the expensive December holidays. Starting with the largest amount front-loads the effort.

Checked 11 Nov 2026. Arithmetic series: 1 + 2 + … + n = n(n + 1) ÷ 2, so 52 weeks give 1,378 steps.