Understanding Compound Interest Formula: How to Calculate Future Value of an Investment

compound interest formula

The compound interest formula is used to calculate the future value of an initial investment or principal, when compounded over a specific period of time at a certain interest rate

The compound interest formula is used to calculate the future value of an initial investment or principal, when compounded over a specific period of time at a certain interest rate.

The general formula for compound interest is:

A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt)

Where:
A = The future value of the investment
P = The principal amount (initial investment)
r = The annual interest rate (expressed as a decimal)
n = The number of times that interest is compounded per year
t = The number of years

Let’s break down the formula with an example:

Suppose you invest $5,000 in a savings account that compounds interest annually at a rate of 6%. After 3 years, how much will your investment be worth?

Using the compound interest formula:

P = $5,000 (the principal amount)
r = 6% = 0.06 (the annual interest rate as a decimal)
n = 1 (interest is compounded annually)
t = 3 (the number of years)

Plugging the values into the formula:

A = $5,000 * (1 + 0.06/1)^(1*3)
A = $5,000 * (1 + 0.06)^3
A = $5,000 * (1.06)^3
A = $5,000 * 1.191016
A ≈ $5,955.08 (rounded to two decimal places)

Therefore, after 3 years of compounding interest, your investment would be worth approximately $5,955.08.

It’s important to note that the formula can be modified based on the frequency of compounding interest. For example, if interest is compounded quarterly (n = 4), the formula would be:

A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt)

Make sure to adjust the values accordingly when using the formula for different compounding periods.

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