Compound Interest Formula:
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The compound interest formula calculates the future value of an investment or loan based on the principal amount, interest rate, compounding frequency, and time period. It demonstrates how money grows over time through the power of compounding.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how much an investment will grow when interest is earned on both the principal and accumulated interest over time.
Details: Understanding compound interest is essential for financial planning, investment decisions, and mortgage calculations. It helps investors see the long-term growth potential of their investments.
Tips: Enter principal amount in dollars, annual interest rate as a percentage, compounding frequency (e.g., 12 for monthly), and time period 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 the result?
A: More frequent compounding (daily vs. annually) results in higher returns due to interest being calculated 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 be used for loans?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to both investments and loans, though for loans it represents the total amount to be repaid.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation for real-world scenarios?
A: This provides a mathematical estimate. Actual returns may vary due to fees, tax implications, and changing interest rates.