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's essential for financial planning and understanding the growth potential of savings.
The calculator uses the Future Value formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for compound interest, where interest is earned on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest from previous periods.
Details: Calculating future value helps investors understand the potential growth of their savings, make informed financial decisions, and plan for long-term financial goals.
Tips: Enter the 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.
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 future value?
A: More frequent compounding results in higher future values because interest is calculated and added more often.
Q3: What is a typical interest rate for high balance savings accounts?
A: Rates vary but typically range from 0.5% to 2.5% (0.005 to 0.025 in decimal form) depending on economic conditions and the financial institution.
Q4: Can this calculator be used for other types of investments?
A: Yes, the future value formula applies to any investment with compound interest, though specific terms may vary.
Q5: How accurate are future value calculations?
A: They provide mathematical projections based on the inputs, but actual results may vary due to changing interest rates and other factors.