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. It allows investments to grow exponentially over time, making it a powerful concept in finance.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much an investment will grow when interest is compounded annually, taking into account both the initial principal and accumulated interest.
Details: Understanding compound interest is crucial for financial planning, investment decisions, and retirement savings. It demonstrates how money can grow over time through the power of compounding.
Tips: Enter the principal amount in currency, annual interest rate as a decimal (e.g., 0.05 for 5%), 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 the result?
A: More frequent compounding (monthly, quarterly) results in higher returns. This calculator assumes annual compounding.
Q3: Can I use this for different currencies?
A: Yes, the calculator works with any currency as long as you maintain consistent currency units for principal and result.
Q4: What if I have additional contributions?
A: This calculator assumes a single lump sum investment. For regular contributions, a different formula would be needed.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation for real investments?
A: This provides a theoretical calculation. Actual investment returns may vary due to fees, taxes, and fluctuating interest rates.