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 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 often is interest compounded in this calculator?
A: This calculator assumes annual compounding, meaning interest is calculated and added to the principal once per year.
Q3: Can I use this for monthly compounding?
A: No, this calculator is specifically designed for annual compounding. For monthly compounding, a different formula would be needed.
Q4: What is the rule of 72?
A: The rule of 72 is a quick way to estimate how long it takes for an investment to double: divide 72 by the annual interest rate percentage.
Q5: Are there any limitations to this calculation?
A: This calculation assumes a fixed interest rate over the entire period and doesn't account for additional contributions, taxes, or fees.