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 tool for wealth accumulation.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much an investment will grow when interest is earned on both the principal and accumulated interest over time.
Details: Compound interest is fundamental to long-term investing and retirement planning. It demonstrates how small, regular investments can grow significantly over time due to the compounding effect.
Tips: Enter the principal amount in ₹, 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 because interest is calculated and added to the principal more often.
Q3: What is a typical compounding frequency?
A: Savings accounts typically compound daily, while bonds and CDs may compound semi-annually or annually.
Q4: Can I use this for different currencies?
A: Yes, the formula works for any currency. Just ensure all values use the same currency unit.
Q5: How accurate is this calculator?
A: This provides a mathematical estimate. Actual returns may vary due to fees, tax implications, and changing interest rates.