Compound Interest Formula:
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Compound interest on mortgage refers to the interest calculated on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest from previous periods. This differs from simple interest where interest is calculated only on the principal amount.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much your mortgage investment will grow over time with compound interest, taking into account the frequency of compounding.
Details: Understanding compound interest is crucial for mortgage planning as it helps borrowers understand the true cost of borrowing and investors understand potential returns over time.
Tips: Enter the principal amount, annual interest rate, compounding frequency (typically 12 for monthly), 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 (daily vs monthly vs annually) results in higher returns due to interest being calculated more often.
Q3: What is a typical compounding frequency for mortgages?
A: Most mortgages compound interest monthly (n=12), though this can vary by lender and mortgage type.
Q4: Can this calculator be used for other investments?
A: Yes, the compound interest formula applies to various investments including savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and other fixed-income investments.
Q5: How accurate is this calculator for real mortgage calculations?
A: While the formula is mathematically correct, actual mortgage calculations may include additional factors like fees, insurance, and variable rates.