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 will grow over time with compound interest, taking into account how frequently the interest is compounded.
Details: Understanding compound interest is crucial for financial planning, investment decisions, and retirement savings. It helps investors see how their money can grow exponentially over time.
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 both the principal and accumulated interest.
Q2: How does compounding frequency affect returns?
A: More frequent compounding (daily vs annually) results in higher returns due to interest being calculated and added more often.
Q3: What is a typical compounding frequency for FDs?
A: Fixed deposits typically compound quarterly or monthly, but this can vary by financial institution.
Q4: Can I use this for other investments besides FDs?
A: Yes, this formula works for any investment that compounds interest, including savings accounts and certain bonds.
Q5: How accurate is this calculator?
A: This calculator provides precise mathematical results based on the compound interest formula, assuming constant rates and no additional deposits or withdrawals.