Simple Interest Formula:
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Simple interest is a method of calculating interest where the interest is computed only on the original principal amount throughout the entire loan or investment period, without compounding.
The calculator uses the simple interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the interest earned or paid based on the original principal amount, without considering any accumulated interest from previous periods.
Details: Simple interest calculation is fundamental in various financial contexts including personal loans, short-term investments, and educational financial planning. It provides a straightforward way to understand interest costs or earnings.
Tips: Enter the principal amount in currency units, annual interest rate as a percentage, and time period in years. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between simple interest 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 from previous periods.
Q2: When is simple interest typically used?
A: Simple interest is commonly used for short-term loans, car loans, and some types of personal loans where compounding doesn't occur.
Q3: How do I calculate the total amount with simple interest?
A: Total amount = Principal + Interest, or A = P + I = P(1 + RT/100)
Q4: Can simple interest be calculated for partial years?
A: Yes, the time period can be expressed in fractions of years (e.g., 0.5 for 6 months, 0.25 for 3 months).
Q5: Is simple interest better for borrowers or lenders?
A: Simple interest is generally better for borrowers compared to compound interest, as it results in lower total interest payments over time.