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 differs from simple interest, where interest is not added to the principal for subsequent calculations.
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: Compound interest is a fundamental concept in finance that demonstrates how investments can grow exponentially over time. It's essential for retirement planning, savings strategies, and understanding long-term investment growth.
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 results in higher returns because interest is calculated and added to the principal more often.
Q3: What is the Rule of 72?
A: The Rule of 72 is a quick formula to estimate how long it takes for an investment to double: 72 divided by the annual interest rate.
Q4: Can compound interest work against me?
A: Yes, when borrowing money, compound interest can significantly increase the total amount you owe over time.
Q5: Is compound interest better for long-term or short-term investments?
A: Compound interest is particularly powerful for long-term investments due to the exponential growth effect over extended periods.