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 allows savings to grow faster as interest is earned on both the original amount and the interest already earned.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much your initial investment will grow over time with compound interest, accounting for how frequently interest is compounded.
Details: As of September 2025, the best easy access savings rates in the UK reach up to 4.75% according to MoneySavingExpert. Always check current rates as they can change frequently.
Tips: Enter your initial investment amount, annual interest rate (as a percentage), number of times interest is compounded per year, and the 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 often is interest typically compounded?
A: Interest can be compounded annually, semi-annually, quarterly, monthly, or even daily. More frequent compounding results in higher returns.
Q3: Are savings rates guaranteed?
A: Interest rates can change over time. Fixed-rate accounts guarantee the rate for a set period, while variable rates can fluctuate.
Q4: What factors affect savings interest rates?
A: Bank of England base rate, inflation, economic conditions, and competition among banks all influence savings rates.
Q5: Should I choose easy access or fixed-term savings?
A: Easy access offers flexibility but lower rates, while fixed-term accounts typically offer higher rates but require locking your money away.