1. What is Compound Interest?

Compound interest is the interest calculated on the initial principal and also on the accumulated interest of previous periods of a deposit or loan. It's often referred to as "interest on interest" and makes a sum grow at a faster rate than simple interest.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the compound interest formula:

Where:

• \( A \) — Final amount (currency units)
• \( P \) — Principal amount (currency units)
• \( R \) — Annual interest rate (%)
• \( n \) — Compounding frequency per year
• \( T \) — Time in years

Explanation: The formula calculates how much an investment will grow over time when interest is compounded at regular intervals.

3. Importance of Compound Interest Calculation

Details: Understanding compound interest is crucial for financial planning, investment decisions, and retirement savings. It demonstrates how money can grow exponentially over time through the power of compounding.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the principal amount in currency units, annual interest rate as a percentage, compounding frequency (how many times per year interest is compounded), and time in years. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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 final amount?
A: The more frequently interest is compounded, the higher the final amount will be, as interest is calculated on a growing balance 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: Can this calculator be used for loans as well as investments?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to both investments (where you earn interest) and loans (where you pay interest).

Q5: How accurate is this calculator for real-world scenarios?
A: This provides a mathematical estimate. Real-world results may vary due to factors like changing interest rates, fees, or additional contributions/withdrawals.