Compound Interest Formula:
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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 initial investment will grow when interest is compounded at regular intervals over time.
Details: Understanding compound interest is crucial for financial planning, investment decisions, and loan management. It demonstrates how investments grow over time and how debt can accumulate if not properly managed.
Tips: Enter the principal amount in dollars, annual interest rate as a percentage, select compounding frequency, and time period 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 the principal plus any accumulated interest.
Q2: How does compounding frequency affect the result?
A: The more frequently interest is compounded, the greater the total amount will be, as interest is calculated on a growing balance more often.
Q3: Can this calculator be used for both investments and loans?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to both scenarios, showing either how an investment grows or how a loan balance increases over time.
Q4: What is the Rule of 72?
A: The Rule of 72 is a simple way to estimate how long an investment will take to double: divide 72 by the annual interest rate. For example, at 6% interest, your money will double in about 12 years.
Q5: Are there any limitations to this calculation?
A: This calculation assumes a fixed interest rate and regular compounding periods. Real-world scenarios may have variable rates or irregular contributions/withdrawals.