Compound Interest Formula:
From: | To: |
Compound interest is the interest calculated on the initial principal and also on the accumulated interest of previous periods of a deposit or loan. It's often referred to as "interest on interest" and makes a sum grow at a faster rate than simple interest.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much your investment will grow when interest is compounded at regular intervals.
Details: Understanding compound interest is crucial for financial planning, investment decisions, and retirement savings. It helps investors see how their money can grow over time through the power of compounding.
Tips: Enter principal amount in ₹, annual interest rate as percentage, select compounding frequency, and time in years. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between simple and compound interest?
A: Simple interest is calculated only on the principal amount, while compound interest is calculated on both the principal and accumulated interest.
Q2: How does compounding frequency affect returns?
A: More frequent compounding (daily vs annually) results in higher returns due to interest being calculated and added more often.
Q3: What is a typical CD interest rate?
A: CD rates vary by institution and market conditions, typically ranging from 1-5% annually, depending on the term length.
Q4: Are CD investments risk-free?
A: CDs are generally considered low-risk investments as they are typically FDIC insured up to certain limits, but they offer lower returns compared to stocks.
Q5: Can I withdraw money from a CD before maturity?
A: Early withdrawals from CDs usually incur penalties, which can significantly reduce your earnings or even result in loss of principal.