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 savings to grow at a faster rate compared to simple interest, where interest is calculated only on the principal amount.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much an investment will grow over time when interest is compounded at regular intervals.
Details: Understanding compound interest is crucial for financial planning, retirement savings, and investment decisions. It demonstrates the power of time and consistent compounding in wealth accumulation.
Tips: Enter the principal amount in dollars, annual interest rate as a decimal (e.g., 0.05 for 5%), compounding frequency (how many times per year interest is compounded), 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, leading to exponential growth.
Q2: How does compounding frequency affect returns?
A: More frequent compounding (daily, monthly, quarterly) results in higher returns compared to annual compounding due to interest being calculated and added more often.
Q3: What are common compounding frequencies?
A: Common frequencies include annually (1), semi-annually (2), quarterly (4), monthly (12), and daily (365).
Q4: How do I convert percentage rate to decimal?
A: Divide the percentage by 100. For example, 5% becomes 0.05, 3.25% becomes 0.0325.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for loans as well?
A: While the formula is similar, loan calculations typically involve regular payments. This calculator is designed for savings growth without additional contributions.