Compound Interest Formula:
| From: | To: |
The Cash ISA Interest Calculator estimates the final amount in a Cash ISA account using compound interest calculations. It helps investors understand how their savings can grow over time with regular compounding.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how an initial investment grows with compound interest, where interest is added to the principal at regular intervals, creating exponential growth.
Details: Understanding compound interest is crucial for financial planning, retirement savings, and maximizing returns on Cash ISA investments over the long term.
Tips: Enter principal amount in GBP, annual interest rate as a decimal (e.g., 0.05 for 5%), compounding frequency (e.g., 12 for monthly), and time period in years. All values must be positive.
Q1: What is a Cash ISA?
A: A Cash ISA (Individual Savings Account) is a tax-free savings account available to UK residents, allowing savings to grow without paying tax on the interest earned.
Q2: How does compounding frequency affect returns?
A: More frequent compounding (e.g., monthly vs annually) results in higher returns due to interest being calculated and added to the principal more often.
Q3: What are typical interest rates for Cash ISAs?
A: Interest rates vary by provider and market conditions, typically ranging from 0.5% to 3% annually (0.005 to 0.03 in decimal form).
Q4: Are there contribution limits for Cash ISAs?
A: Yes, there is an annual ISA allowance set by the UK government, which is £20,000 for the 2023/2024 tax year.
Q5: Can I withdraw money from a Cash ISA?
A: Most Cash ISAs allow withdrawals, but terms vary by provider. Some may have notice periods or withdrawal restrictions.