Compound Interest Formula:
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The Calculator Site Compound Interest formula calculates the future value of an investment or loan based on compound interest. It shows how money grows over time when interest is earned on both the principal and accumulated interest.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much an investment will grow when interest is compounded at regular intervals over time.
Details: Understanding compound interest is crucial for financial planning, investment decisions, and retirement savings. It demonstrates the power of time and compounding in wealth building.
Tips: Enter the principal amount, annual interest rate (as a percentage), 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 the result?
A: More frequent compounding (e.g., daily vs. annually) results in higher returns due to interest being calculated and added more often.
Q3: Can this calculator be used for loans?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to compound interest on loans, showing how debt can grow over time.
Q4: What is the rule of 72?
A: The rule of 72 estimates how long it takes for an investment to double (72 divided by the interest rate).
Q5: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This assumes a fixed interest rate and regular compounding periods. Real-world scenarios may have variable rates or irregular contributions.