Future Value Formula:
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Future Value (FV) calculation determines how much an investment made today will grow to at a future date, considering compound interest and periodic contributions. It's a fundamental concept in finance for retirement planning, savings goals, and investment analysis.
The calculator uses the future value formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the compounded growth of an initial investment plus the accumulated value of regular contributions, accounting for compound interest over time.
Details: Understanding future value helps individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions about savings, investments, retirement planning, and loan repayments. It demonstrates the power of compound interest over time.
Tips: Enter present value in dollars, periodic payment in dollars, interest rate as a decimal (e.g., 0.05 for 5%), and number of periods. All values must be non-negative with periods greater than zero.
Q1: What's the difference between FV and PV?
A: Future Value calculates what an investment will be worth in the future, while Present Value calculates what future cash flows are worth today.
Q2: How does compound interest affect future value?
A: Compound interest means you earn interest on both your principal and accumulated interest, leading to exponential growth over time.
Q3: What happens if the interest rate is zero?
A: When interest rate is zero, the formula simplifies to FV = PV + (PMT × n), as there's no compounding effect.
Q4: Can this calculator handle different compounding periods?
A: Yes, ensure the interest rate and payment frequency match the compounding period (e.g., monthly rate for monthly compounding).
Q5: Why is future value important for retirement planning?
A: It helps determine how much you need to save regularly to reach your retirement goals, considering expected returns and time horizon.