Compound Interest Calculator 2025
Plan your financial future with precision and confidence
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The amount you start with before any additional contributions
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The yearly interest rate your investment is expected to earn
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The amount you plan to add regularly to your investment
1 Year
50 Years
Investment Duration: 30 years
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How often you'll make contributions to your investment
Investment Summary
Initial Investment
$0.00
Total Contributions
$0.00
Interest Earned
$0.00
Future Value
$0.00
FAQs about Compound Interest
How does compound interest work?
Compound interest grows your money by earning interest on both your initial deposit and the interest it accumulates, speeding up growth over time. For example, $1,000 at 5% compounded yearly becomes $1,050 after one year, then $1,102.50 after two. It’s a powerful way to build savings.
What is the formula for compound interest?
The formula is A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt), where A is the final amount, P is the starting amount, r is the rate, n is compounding frequency, and t is time. For $1,000 at 5% compounded monthly for 2 years, you’d get $1,104.94. It calculates how interest builds up.
How often is interest compounded?
Interest can compound daily, monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the account. More frequent compounding, like daily, grows $1,000 at 5% to $1,051.27 in a year versus $1,050 annually. Check your terms to know what applies.
What’s the difference between simple and compound interest?
Simple interest is just on the principal (e.g., $50 on $1,000 at 5% yearly), while compound interest adds interest to the total, growing $1,000 to $1,102.50 in 2 years at 5%. Compound interest accelerates growth; simple doesn’t.
How long does it take to double money with compound interest?
Use the Rule of 72: divide 72 by the interest rate (e.g., 72 ÷ 5% = 14.4 years to double $1,000). It’s a fast estimate for planning. Higher rates shorten the time.
Why is compound interest so powerful?
It’s powerful because it multiplies your money exponentially over time—like $1,000 at 5% grows to $4,322 in 30 years. The longer it runs, the bigger the payoff. Starting early maximizes its effect.
Can compound interest make you rich?
Yes, with time and consistency—$200 monthly at 7% from age 25 could hit $500,000 by 65. It’s not instant riches but builds wealth steadily. Regular investing is crucial.
How does compound interest affect loans?
It increases loan costs by adding interest to unpaid interest, so a $5,000 loan at 10% compounded monthly grows fast if unpaid. Pay early to cut the total owed. Know your loan’s compounding terms.
What’s a good interest rate for compound interest?
A rate of 5-7% is solid for savings or investments, turning $1,000 into $1,628-$1,967 in 10 years. Higher rates beat inflation better. Compare accounts for the best deal.
How can I calculate compound interest myself?
Use A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt)—plug in your numbers (e.g., $1,000, 5%, monthly, 2 years) to get $1,104.94. Online calculators also work if math isn’t your thing. It’s simple with practice.
Does compound interest work with stocks?
Yes, reinvesting stock dividends or gains compounds your returns, like turning $1,000 into $2,000+ over years at 7%. It’s not fixed like savings but can grow similarly. Market risks apply.
How can I maximize compound interest?
Start early, add money regularly, and pick high-rate accounts—$100 monthly at 6% from age 20 could be $200,000 by 60. Time and consistency boost it most. Avoid withdrawals.
What happens if interest compounds daily vs. annually?
Daily compounding grows $1,000 at 5% to $1,051.27 in a year, while annually it’s $1,050—more frequent means more growth. It’s a small edge that adds up. Check your account’s rules.
Is compound interest better for saving or investing?
It’s great for both—savings grow steadily (e.g., $1,000 to $1,628 in 10 years at 5%), while investments can compound faster with higher returns. Investing risks more but rewards more. Match it to your goals.
Why don’t more people use compound interest?
Many don’t start early, lack funds, or don’t understand it—$50 monthly at 5% from 25 could be $66,000 by 65, but procrastination kills it. Education and discipline are barriers. Awareness helps.