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, where interest earns additional interest.
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: Understanding compound interest is crucial for financial planning, retirement savings, and maximizing returns on high-yield savings accounts and investments.
Tips: Enter 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.
Q1: What's the difference between simple and compound interest?
A: Simple interest is calculated only on the principal amount, while compound interest calculates interest on both principal and accumulated interest.
Q2: How does compounding frequency affect returns?
A: More frequent compounding (daily vs. annually) results in higher returns due to interest being calculated and added more often.
Q3: What are typical compounding frequencies?
A: Common frequencies include annually (1), semi-annually (2), quarterly (4), monthly (12), and daily (365).
Q4: Can this calculator handle different currencies?
A: The formula works for any currency, though results are displayed in USD. The calculation is currency-agnostic.
Q5: Is this suitable for all types of investments?
A: This calculator is designed for fixed-rate savings accounts and investments with consistent compounding. It may not account for variable rates or additional contributions.