Compound Interest Formula:
From: | To: |
Compound interest is interest calculated on the initial principal and also on the accumulated interest of previous periods. It's often called "interest on interest" and can significantly boost investment growth over time.
The calculator uses the compound interest formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for how often interest is compounded, with more frequent compounding leading to higher returns.
Details: The power of compounding can dramatically increase your savings over time. Even small differences in interest rates or compounding frequency can lead to significant differences in final amounts for long-term investments.
Tips: Enter the principal amount in dollars, annual interest rate as a percentage, time period in years, and select how often interest is compounded. 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 the principal plus accumulated interest.
Q2: How does compounding frequency affect returns?
A: More frequent compounding (e.g., daily vs. annually) results in higher returns because interest is calculated on a more frequently updated balance.
Q3: What's a typical interest rate for high-yield savings?
A: Rates vary, but high-yield savings accounts typically offer 3-5% APY, much higher than traditional savings accounts.
Q4: Is this calculator accurate for all savings accounts?
A: It provides a good estimate, but actual results may vary slightly depending on the financial institution's specific compounding methods.
Q5: How can I maximize my savings growth?
A: Look for accounts with higher interest rates, more frequent compounding, and consider making regular additional deposits.