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 savings will grow over time with compound interest, taking into account the frequency of compounding.
Details: Understanding compound interest helps in financial planning, retirement savings, and making informed investment decisions. It demonstrates the power of time and consistent saving.
Tips: Enter the principal amount in AUD, current Australian interest rate as a percentage, number of compounding periods per year (e.g., 12 for monthly), and time in years. All values must be positive.
Q1: What are typical interest rates for savings accounts in Australia?
A: Savings account interest rates in Australia typically range from 0.5% to 3.5% depending on the financial institution and account type.
Q2: How often do savings accounts typically compound interest?
A: Most Australian savings accounts compound interest monthly, though some may compound daily or quarterly.
Q3: Are savings account interest rates fixed or variable?
A: Most savings account interest rates in Australia are variable and can change with the Reserve Bank of Australia's cash rate decisions.
Q4: Are there taxes on savings interest in Australia?
A: Yes, interest earned on savings is considered taxable income and must be declared to the Australian Taxation Office.
Q5: 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.