Interest Calculator

Calculate simple and compound interest with precision using our free online interest calculator. Understand how your money grows over time with clear explanations, step-by-step results, and visual comparisons.

Calculate Interest

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Calculation Results

Enter your values and click "Calculate Interest" to see results

How Interest Calculation Works

Understanding how interest accumulates helps you make smarter financial choices when saving, investing, or borrowing.

Simple Interest

Simple interest is calculated only on the original principal amount throughout the entire time period.

Formula:SI = P × R × T / 100

  • P = Principal amount
  • R =Annual interest rate
  • T = Time in years

Compound Interest

Compound interest is calculated on both the principal and the accumulated interest, creating exponential growth over time.

Formula:A = P(1 + r/n)ⁿᵗ

  • A = Final amount
  • P = Principal amount
  • r = Annual interest rate (as a decimal)
  • n = Compounding periods per year
  • t = Time in years

Example Calculation

Simple Interest

Principal: $10,000 | Rate: 5% | Time: 5 years

Interest: $2,500

Total: $12,500

Compound Interest (Annual)

Principal: $10,000 | Rate: 5% | Time: 5 years

Interest: $2,763

Total: $12,763

Difference: Compound interest earns $263 more than simple interest in this example!

Related Financial Calculators

Understanding Interest Calculations

Interest can help your money grow — or increase your debt — depending on whether you’re saving or borrowing.

Key Terms

Principal

The initial amount of money invested or borrowed.

Interest Rate

The annual cost or return as a percentage.

Compound Frequency

How often interest is added to your balance.

Time Period

The total duration of the investment or loan.

Common Use Cases

Savings Accounts

See how your deposits grow with compounding.

Investment Planning

Estimate returns and compare options.

Loan Analysis

Understand true borrowing costs.

Education Planning

Project savings for college expenses.

Financial Tips for Smarter Planning

Leverage Compound Growth:

The earlier you start, the greater the impact.

Reinvest Your Earnings:

Let interest earn more interest.

Compare Rates & Terms:

Even small rate differences can change outcomes.

Account for Inflation:

Subtract inflation to calculate real growth.

Consult a Financial Advisor:

Especially for long-term investments or large loans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Simple interest is calculated only on the original amount, while compound interest includes both the principal and accumulated interest.

Compound interest is better for savings because it allows your earnings to grow exponentially.

Use the formula A = P(1 + r/n)ⁿᵗ, where P is the principal, r is the annual rate, n is the compounding frequency, and t is time in years.

Yes. Enter your values and select “Monthly” as the compounding frequency to calculate monthly interest.

It’s how often interest is added to your balance — yearly, quarterly, monthly, or daily.

By setting n = 365 in the formula A = P(1 + r/n)ⁿᵗ. This gives you the most frequent compounding growth.

SI = P × R × T / 100 — multiply the principal, annual rate, and time, then divide by 100.

Inflation reduces the real value of your returns. Subtract the inflation rate from your nominal interest rate to get real returns.

APR is the yearly cost of borrowing or investing, including interest and applicable fees.

Yes. It’s completely free, accurate, and available online anytime — no registration required.