Future Value Formula:
From: | To: |
The Future Value formula calculates how much an investment made today will grow to at a future date, taking into account compound interest. It helps investors compare different savings accounts and investment options.
The calculator uses the Future Value formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how your money grows through compound interest, where interest is earned on both the principal and accumulated interest.
Details: Calculating future value helps identify high-interest savings accounts, plan for financial goals, and make informed investment decisions by comparing different compounding scenarios.
Tips: Enter principal amount in dollars, annual interest rate as a decimal (e.g., 0.05 for 5%), number of compounding periods per year, and time 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, leading to faster growth.
Q2: How does compounding frequency affect returns?
A: More frequent compounding (daily vs. annually) results in higher returns because interest is calculated and added to the principal more often.
Q3: What is a good interest rate for savings accounts?
A: Rates vary by market conditions, but typically high-yield savings accounts offer rates significantly above the national average, often 10-20 times higher than traditional savings accounts.
Q4: Should I prioritize interest rate or compounding frequency?
A: Both are important. A higher rate with less frequent compounding might yield similar results to a slightly lower rate with more frequent compounding. Use this calculator to compare different scenarios.
Q5: Are there any limitations to this calculation?
A: This calculation assumes a fixed interest rate and regular compounding. Real-world accounts may have variable rates, fees, or minimum balance requirements that affect actual returns.