Compound Interest Formula:
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The compound interest formula calculates the future value of an investment or savings account where interest is compounded periodically. It shows how money grows over time through the power of compounding.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much your initial investment will grow based on the interest rate, compounding frequency, and time period.
Details: Calculating future value helps investors and savers understand the potential growth of their money, plan for financial goals, and compare different investment options.
Tips: Enter the principal amount in dollars, 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.
Q2: How does compounding frequency affect returns?
A: More frequent compounding (e.g., monthly vs. annually) results in higher returns due to interest being calculated on interest more often.
Q3: What is a typical compounding frequency for savings accounts?
A: Most high-interest savings accounts compound interest daily or monthly.
Q4: Can I use this calculator for other investments?
A: Yes, this formula works for any investment where interest is compounded periodically, including CDs, bonds, and certain types of loans.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation for real-world scenarios?
A: This provides a mathematical estimate. Actual returns may vary slightly due to rounding practices and specific account terms.