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 investment grows when interest is compounded at regular intervals over time.
Details: Understanding compound interest helps investors and savers make informed decisions about their investments. It demonstrates how money can grow over time and the power of regular compounding.
Tips: Enter the principal amount in dollars, annual interest rate as a 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 (e.g., monthly vs. annually) results in higher returns due to interest being calculated more often.
Q3: What is the rule of 72?
A: A simple way to estimate how long it takes for an investment to double: divide 72 by the annual interest rate.
Q4: Can this calculator be used for loans?
A: While the formula is similar, this calculator is designed for investments. Loan calculations may have additional factors to consider.
Q5: Are there any limitations to this calculation?
A: This assumes a fixed interest rate and consistent compounding periods. Real-world investments may have variable rates and additional factors.