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 an accelerating rate over time, making it a powerful tool for long-term wealth accumulation.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much your investment will grow when interest is earned on both the principal and accumulated interest.
Details: Compound interest is fundamental to long-term savings and investment strategies. It demonstrates the time value of money and shows how regular contributions and reinvested earnings can significantly grow wealth over extended periods.
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 added), 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 because interest is calculated and added more often.
Q3: What is a typical compounding frequency?
A: Common frequencies include annually (1), semi-annually (2), quarterly (4), monthly (12), and daily (365).
Q4: Can I use this for different currencies?
A: Yes, the calculator works with any currency as long as you're consistent with the principal amount input.
Q5: Is this calculator suitable for investment planning?
A: Yes, it's excellent for estimating future savings growth and comparing different investment scenarios.