Compound Interest Calculator

Calculate compound interest on investments or loans with our free online CI calculator. Compare different compounding frequencies and see the power of compounding.

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Enter Investment Details
₹1,00,000
₹1,000₹1 Crore
8%
1%30%
5 Years
1 Year30 Years
Principal vs Interest
Total₹1,46,933
Principal Amount
₹1,00,000
Compound Interest
₹46,933

Principal Amount

₹1,00,000

Compound Interest

₹46,933

Total Amount

₹1,46,933

Effective Rate

8.00%
Power of Compounding
Simple Interest₹40,000
Extra from Compounding+₹6,933
Compounding earns you ₹6,933 extra compared to simple interest!
Compound Interest Formula

A = P × (1 + r/n)^(n×t)

Where P = Principal, r = Rate, n = Compounding frequency, t = Time

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What is Compound Interest?

Compound Interest (CI) is the interest calculated on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest from previous periods. Often called "interest on interest," compounding makes your money grow exponentially over time. This is why Albert Einstein reportedly called it the "eighth wonder of the world."

Most bank deposits, mutual funds, and investments use compound interest, which is why starting early with investments can lead to significantly higher wealth accumulation.

Compound Interest Formula

A = P × (1 + r/n)^(n×t)

  • A = Final Amount (Principal + Interest)
  • P = Principal (Initial Amount)
  • r = Annual Interest Rate (decimal)
  • n = Number of times interest is compounded per year
  • t = Time in years

CI = A - P = P × [(1 + r/n)^(n×t) - 1]

Compounding Frequency Impact

Example: ₹1,00,000 at 10% for 5 years

FrequencyFinal AmountInterest Earned
Yearly₹1,61,051₹61,051
Half-Yearly₹1,62,890₹62,890
Quarterly₹1,63,862₹63,862
Monthly₹1,64,531₹64,531
Daily₹1,64,866₹64,866

Rule of 72

The Rule of 72 is a quick way to estimate how long it takes to double your money with compound interest:

Years to Double = 72 / Interest Rate

  • At 8% interest: 72/8 = 9 years to double
  • At 12% interest: 72/12 = 6 years to double
  • At 15% interest: 72/15 = 4.8 years to double

Power of Starting Early

Due to compounding, starting early makes a huge difference. If you invest ₹10,000 monthly:

  • Starting at 25: ₹3.5 Cr by 60 (at 12% return)
  • Starting at 35: ₹1.0 Cr by 60
  • Starting at 45: ₹30 L by 60

Frequently Asked Questions

Simple interest is calculated only on principal, while compound interest is calculated on principal plus accumulated interest. Over time, compound interest grows exponentially and earns significantly more than simple interest.

For investments, more frequent compounding (daily/monthly) is better as you earn more. For loans, less frequent compounding (yearly) means you pay less interest. However, the difference is usually small unless dealing with large amounts.

Compound interest creates exponential growth. Your interest earns interest, and over long periods, this snowball effect can multiply your wealth many times. This is why starting early with investments is crucial.

Effective interest rate is the actual annual rate after accounting for compounding. For example, 10% compounded quarterly has an effective rate of 10.38%. It helps compare different investment options with different compounding frequencies.

Fixed Deposits in India typically use compound interest, usually compounded quarterly. Some banks offer monthly compounding. For non-cumulative FDs where interest is paid out, simple interest applies to the payout calculation.
Disclaimer

This calculator is provided for informational purposes only. The results are estimates and should not be considered as financial advice. Actual values may vary based on various factors. Please consult a certified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.

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