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 than simple interest, where interest is calculated only on the principal amount.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much an investment will grow over time with compound interest, taking into account how frequently the interest is compounded.
Details: Compound interest is a powerful concept in personal finance and investing. It allows your money to work for you, generating earnings that then generate their own earnings. The more frequently interest is compounded, the faster your savings will grow.
Tips: Enter the principal amount in CAD, annual interest rate as a percentage, select compounding frequency, 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 my savings?
A: More frequent compounding (daily vs. annually) results in higher returns because interest is calculated and added to the principal more often.
Q3: Are Canadian savings accounts compounded differently?
A: Most Canadian savings accounts compound interest monthly, but it's important to check with your specific financial institution as terms may vary.
Q4: What is a typical interest rate for Canadian savings accounts?
A: Rates vary by institution and account type, but typically range from 0.5% to 2.5% for regular savings accounts, with higher rates for premium accounts.
Q5: Are there taxes on interest earned in Canada?
A: Yes, interest income is taxable in Canada and must be reported on your annual tax return.