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 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.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much an investment will grow over time when interest is compounded at regular intervals.
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.
Tips: Enter the principal amount, annual interest rate, select compounding frequency, and time period. All values must be positive numbers to get accurate results.
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: More frequent compounding (e.g., monthly vs. annually) results in higher returns because interest is calculated and added more often.
Q3: What is the Rule of 72 in compound interest?
A: The Rule of 72 estimates how long it takes for an investment to double: 72 divided by the annual interest rate gives the approximate number of years.
Q4: Can compound interest work against you?
A: Yes, when it comes to loans and credit card debt, compound interest can cause debt to grow rapidly if not managed properly.
Q5: Is compound interest better for long-term investments?
A: Absolutely. The longer the time period, the more powerful the effect of compound interest due to exponential growth.