Compound interest is the interest on a loan or deposit calculated based on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest from previous periods. Unlike simple interest, which is calculated only on the principal amount, compound interest allows the interest to grow over time because the interest is added to the principal and future interest is earned on the new total.
Compound interest helps investments grow at an accelerating rate over time, making it a powerful tool for long-term wealth creation.
The formula to calculate the future value using compound interest is:
Where:
If you invest ₹10,000 at an annual interest rate of 6%, compounded quarterly, for 5 years, the future value can be calculated as:
Solving this, you’ll get a future value of approximately ₹13,488.50.
The concept of compound interest is extremely powerful because it allows for "interest on interest", leading to exponential growth over time. The longer you let your money grow, the more significant the impact of compounding will be.
Simple Interest | Compound Interest |
---|---|
Interest is calculated only on the principal. | Interest is calculated on both principal and accumulated interest. |
The interest amount remains constant. | Interest grows exponentially over time. |
Suitable for short-term loans and investments. | Best for long-term wealth creation. |
Compound interest is the interest calculated on the initial principal, which also includes all accumulated interest from previous periods. It is commonly used in investments and savings.
In compound interest, interest is calculated not only on the principal amount but also on the interest accumulated from previous periods. In simple interest, the interest is only calculated on the original principal.
Interest can be compounded on various frequencies such as:
The more frequently the interest is compounded, the higher the amount of accumulated interest.
The formula for compound interest is:
Where A is the amount after interest, P is the principal, r is the annual interest rate, n is the number of times interest is compounded per year, and t is the time in years.
Compound interest accelerates the growth of investments over time. The interest earned is added back to the principal, which allows future interest to be calculated on a larger base. This results in exponential growth, making it especially valuable for long-term goals like retirement savings.
Yes, compound interest can also apply to loans, which makes the borrower pay more interest over time compared to simple interest. In loans, compounding interest means the borrower pays interest not only on the initial loan but also on any accumulated interest.
Most savings accounts compound interest monthly, meaning the interest you earn in one month is added to your balance, and in the next month, you earn interest on the new balance.
Starting early significantly enhances the benefits of compound interest. The longer your money has to grow, the more time interest has to accumulate, resulting in larger returns over time. Even small contributions can lead to significant growth if invested early.
Withdrawing money early from an account where interest compounds may reduce the total interest earned. Many investment products, such as certificates of deposit (CDs) or retirement accounts, may also charge penalties for early withdrawal.
The higher the frequency of compounding (such as monthly or daily), the better, as this leads to more frequent interest being added to the principal. However, the exact impact depends on the terms of the investment or loan.
This content was AI-generated using natural language processing technology. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information, it may not be perfect. Users are encouraged to verify the information independently where applicable.
Note: AI-generated content should be used as a supportive tool, not a substitute for professional advice.
Note: 04-Oct-2024 : Currently, the site is under development and will be validated and updated soon