n is the number of times interest is applied per year (12 for monthly, 365 for daily).

Can I add monthly contributions?

Use the savings growth calculator for recurring deposits. This tool focuses on lump-sum growth.

Does this include taxes or fees?

No. To approximate after-tax returns, lower the APR input to your expected net rate.

How do I account for inflation?

Use a real return estimate (nominal rate minus expected inflation) to see purchasing-power growth.

finance calculator

Compound Interest Calculator

See how fast your savings grow when interest compounds daily, monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Results

Future value: $16,470 USD
Total interest earned: $6,470 USD

How to use this calculator

Enter your initial deposit and annual rate.
Choose compounding frequency (n) and number of years.
See future value and total interest earned.

Inputs explained

Initial deposit: Starting principal amount.
Annual return (APR): Expected annual rate before taxes/fees.
Compounds per year: How many times interest is credited annually (12 for monthly, 365 for daily).
Years: Time horizon for growth.

How it works

We use the standard compound interest formula A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt).

Total interest earned is simply A − P, highlighting how much growth came from compounding.

Formula

A = P(1 + r/n)^(n * t)
Interest earned = A − P

When to use it

Comparing daily vs monthly compounding on savings rates.
Projecting lump-sum growth over a set horizon.
Explaining the impact of compounding frequency in educational content.

Tips & cautions

Higher compounding frequency yields slightly more at the same nominal rate.
Use conservative rates for long horizons to avoid overestimating growth.
For recurring deposits, switch to the savings growth calculator.
No recurring contributions—lump sum only.
Assumes a constant annual rate; real markets vary.
Taxes, fees, and inflation are not included.

Worked examples

$10k, 5% APR, monthly compounding, 10 years

A ≈ $16,470.09
Interest ≈ $6,470.09

Daily compounding comparison

n = 365
A climbs slightly to ≈ $16,486.37
Interest ≈ $6,486.37

Deep dive

This compound interest calculator projects future value from a lump sum using your rate, compounding frequency, and time horizon. Enter your deposit, APR, compounding (monthly, daily, etc.), and years to see total growth and interest earned.

Use it to compare bank products or demonstrate how compounding frequency affects returns. It assumes a constant rate and no recurring contributions—try the savings growth calculator for monthly deposits.

FAQs

What does n mean?: n is the number of times interest is applied per year (12 for monthly, 365 for daily).
Can I add monthly contributions?: Use the savings growth calculator for recurring deposits. This tool focuses on lump-sum growth.
Does this include taxes or fees?: No. To approximate after-tax returns, lower the APR input to your expected net rate.
How do I account for inflation?: Use a real return estimate (nominal rate minus expected inflation) to see purchasing-power growth.

Related calculators

finance

Mortgage Payment Calculator

Estimate your monthly mortgage payment, total interest, and payoff schedule with one input-driven tool.

finance

Mortgage Payoff Calculator

Estimate how many months it will take to pay off your mortgage when you make a fixed monthly payment.

finance

Loan Payment Calculator

Calculate the monthly payment for any personal, auto, or student loan using the principal, APR, and term.

finance

Savings Growth Calculator

Project account balances when you combine an initial deposit with ongoing monthly contributions.

Investment returns vary. This calculator assumes a constant rate and does not factor taxes or fees.