Compound Interest Formula:
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The compound interest formula with increasing deposits calculates the future value of an investment that earns compound interest, accounting for both the initial principal and additional deposits made at different times.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates compound interest on both the initial principal and each individual deposit, accounting for when each deposit was made relative to the total time period.
Details: Understanding compound interest with additional deposits is crucial for financial planning, investment analysis, retirement planning, and wealth accumulation strategies.
Tips: Enter principal amount in currency, annual interest rate as decimal (e.g., 0.05 for 5%), compounding periods per year, time period in years, and deposits in the format "amount,year" separated by semicolons.
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 do additional deposits affect the final amount?
A: Additional deposits significantly increase the final amount as they also earn compound interest from the time they are deposited.
Q3: What's the optimal frequency of compounding?
A: More frequent compounding (higher n) results in higher returns, though the difference becomes smaller as n increases.
Q4: Can I use this for irregular deposit patterns?
A: Yes, the formula accommodates deposits made at any time during the investment period.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation for real investments?
A: This provides a mathematical estimate; actual investment returns may vary due to market fluctuations, fees, and taxes.