Compound Interest Calculator
Calculate how your investment grows with compound interest — see the power of compounding over time.
How to use Compound Interest Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between simple and compound interest?
Simple interest is calculated only on the original principal for every period. Compound interest is calculated on the principal plus all previously earned interest. Over time compound interest grows exponentially while simple interest grows linearly. A 10-year investment at 8 percent earns 80 percent total with simple interest but roughly 116 percent with annual compounding.
How does compounding frequency affect returns?
More frequent compounding produces slightly higher returns for the same annual rate. The difference between monthly and annual compounding is modest but meaningful over long periods. Daily compounding earns slightly more than monthly, which earns more than quarterly, which earns more than annual. The effective annual rate, or APY, accounts for compounding frequency.
What is the Rule of 72?
The Rule of 72 is a quick mental math shortcut to estimate how long it takes an investment to double. Divide 72 by the annual interest rate. At 6 percent annual return 72 divided by 6 equals 12 years to double. At 9 percent it takes 8 years. This works because of the mathematics of exponential growth and is accurate enough for planning purposes.
Does adding monthly contributions make a big difference?
Yes — dramatically so. Regular contributions harness two powerful forces simultaneously: compound interest on your existing balance and the compounding of each new contribution over its remaining time horizon. Starting with 10000 and adding 500 per month at 8 percent for 20 years produces roughly 4 to 5 times more than the lump sum alone.
What annual return should I use for stock market investments?
The long-term average annual return of broad stock market indices like the S&P 500 has been approximately 10 percent before inflation and around 7 percent after inflation, measured over 50 to 100 year periods. Past returns do not guarantee future results. For conservative planning, many financial advisors suggest using 6 to 7 percent as a real return assumption.
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