Interest Calculator

Compute both simple and compound interest on any investment or loan. Enter your principal, annual interest rate, and time period to see how your money grows over time.
▼ Modify the values and click the Calculate button to use
$
%
yrs
mos
▼ Modify the values and click the Calculate button to use
$
%
yrs
mos
$

Simple vs. Compound Interest

This calculator computes both simple interest (calculated only on the original principal) and compound interest (calculated on principal plus previously earned interest) — showing how much more compound interest earns over time, especially with more frequent compounding and additional regular contributions.

Example: $10,000 at 5% for 5 years earns a fixed amount under simple interest, but noticeably more under compound interest — the gap widens further with monthly or daily compounding.

Interest Calculator Results

Simple Interest vs Compound Interest

Simple interest is calculated only on the original principal. Compound interest is calculated on the principal plus any previously earned interest — meaning your interest earns interest over time.

Compound Interest Formula

A = P × (1 + r/n)^(nt) where A = final amount, P = principal, r = annual interest rate, n = compounding frequency per year, and t = time in years.

Compounding Frequency

Interest can compound annually, semi-annually, quarterly, monthly, weekly, or daily. The more frequently it compounds, the higher the final amount for the same stated rate.

How to Maximize Returns

Starting early is the most powerful factor in compound interest growth. Reinvesting your interest rather than withdrawing it allows the compounding effect to fully work in your favor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Simple interest is calculated only on the original principal. Compound interest is calculated on the principal plus any previously earned interest, meaning your interest earns interest over time.

A = P x (1 + r/n)^(nt), where A is the final amount, P is the principal, r is the annual interest rate, n is the compounding frequency per year, and t is time in years.

Interest can compound annually, semi-annually, quarterly, monthly, weekly, or daily. The more frequently it compounds, the higher the final amount for the same stated rate.

Yes, it computes both simple and compound interest on any investment or loan based on your principal, annual interest rate, and time period.

Starting early is the most powerful factor in compound interest growth. Reinvesting your interest rather than withdrawing it allows the compounding effect to fully work in your favor.

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