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Compound Interest Calculator

Compound Interest Calculator: Learn about the power of compound interest on your investments.

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Home / Life Insurance / Calculators / Articles / Compound Interest Calculator

Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world, as famously quoted by Albert Einstein. This is because compound interest allows you to earn interest on the interest you've already earned. It's like a snowball effect, where your investment grows larger and larger over time. In India, compound interest plays a significant role in many investment options, such as fixed deposits, mutual funds, and recurring deposits. 

What is compound interest?
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Compound interest is a form of interest that is calculated using the original amount of money invested or saved, as well as the interest that has accumulated in previous periods. Essentially, compound interest is "interest earned on the interest earned." This type of interest enables investments or savings to grow faster than simple interest, which is only calculated based on the principal amount.

How is compound interest calculated?
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It is important that you understand how an interest calculator works for you to know how much you’ve saved and how much you’ve accumulated interest for the amount saved over the years. 

Compound interest formula: A = P(1+r/n)^nt. 

Here's a simple breakdown of the formula for your easier understanding.

A = the future value of the investment

P = the principal balance

r = the annual interest rate (decimal)

n = number of times interest is compounded per year

t = the time in years

^ = ... to the power of …

By multiplying the initial balance by one plus your annual interest rate raised to the power of.time periods (years) you will arrive at your annual compounding rate. Together this provides you with a combined figure for both your principal and compound interest.

Compounding with additional deposits
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When you add regular deposits to your savings or investment accounts, like SIP, 401(k) or Roth IRA, along with the power of compounding interest, it makes a smart way for you to make your money grow faster in the long run.

Let’s say, for example -You are starting to invest an extra Rs. 5,000 every month, your total after 20 years could grow to a substantial Rs. 45,00,000. You'd be earning close to Rs. 22,00,000 in interest on your total contributions i.e is Rs. 23,00,000.

Experts often emphasize that if you start investing regularly at a young age, your savings can grow significantly which will help you lead a comfortable life during your later days. Over time, your interest will accumulate, and you'll benefit from strategies like Rupee-cost averaging, helping your money grow even more.

How to use a compound interest calculator in India?
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Using a compound interest calculator in India is simple. All you need to do is enter your initial investment, the interest rate, the frequency of compounding, and the number of years you plan to invest. The calculator will then show you the amount you will earn over time, including the interest earned on the principal and the interest earned on the interest.

How compound interest calculators can help you earn more money
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Compound interest is an incredibly useful tool that can help you grow your wealth exponentially. Unlike simple interest, which only accrues interest on the initial investment amount, compound interest includes interest earned on both the principal amount and any accumulated interest. But with so many factors to consider, it can be difficult to calculate the total interest you will earn over time. That's where a compound interest calculator comes in handy.

Importance of a compound interest calculator in India
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A compound interest calculator is essential in India because it helps you make informed investment decisions. With a compound interest calculator, you can compare different investment options and choose the one that will give you the best returns over time. You can also use the calculator to see how much you will earn if you invest a certain amount for a specific period.

Benefits of using a compound interest calculator
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There are several benefits of using a compound interest calculator in India. Here are some benefits.

Example of compound interest calculations
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For instance, if you invest Rs. 50,000 with an annual interest rate of 10% for 5 years, the returns for the first year will be:

Rs. 5,500 (50,000 x 10/100 = 5,000, plus the principal amount of 50,000 = 55,000)

For the second year, the interest will be calculated on Rs. 55,000, resulting in returns of:

Rs. 6,050 (55,000 x 10/100 = 5,500, plus the previous year's returns of 5,000 = 10,500, plus the principal amount of 50,000 = 60,500).

The amount will continue to increase each year after that, with interest being calculated on the principal amount plus the returns from the previous year. Calculating these amounts manually can be challenging, so using a compound interest calculator is so helpful.

Investments that commonly benefit from compound interest
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Investing money in India has become a popular way to build wealth over time, and compound interest is one of the most powerful tools available to investors. With compound interest, the interest earned on an investment is added to the principal, and the resulting amount earns interest itself. This cycle continues, resulting in an exponential growth of the investment. In India, several common investments benefit from compound interest. Let's explore them in detail.

Fixed deposits
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Fixed Deposits (FD) are one of India's most popular and safe investment options. Fixed Deposits are a type of investment where you deposit a sum of money with a bank or financial institution for a fixed period. The interest rate on Fixed Deposits in India ranges from 2.5% to 7%, depending on the duration of the deposit. The interest earned on the deposit is compounded quarterly, which makes it a great investment option for those looking for regular returns.

Employee Provident Fund
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Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is a retirement benefit scheme employers in India offer. A portion of the employee's salary is deducted towards the EPF, and the employer contributes an equal amount. The interest rate on EPF is currently 8.5%, and the interest earned is compounded annually. EPF is a great investment option for those seeking a safe and secure retirement plan.

Unit Linked Insurance Plan
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Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) is a type of insurance plan that combines the benefits of insurance and investment. The premium paid towards the ULIP is invested in the market, and the returns earned are compounded. The returns on ULIPs are not fixed and depend on the performance of the market. ULIPs are considered to be high-risk, high-return investment options.

Equity Mutual Funds
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Equity Mutual Funds are mutual funds that invest primarily in stocks. Equity Mutual Funds are considered to be high-risk, high-return investment options. The returns on Equity Mutual Funds are not fixed and depend on the stock market's performance. The returns on Equity Mutual Funds are compounded, making it a great investment option for long-term capital appreciation.

Public Provident Fund and National Savings Certificate
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The Indian Government offers two long-term investment options for individuals: the Public Provident Fund (PPF) and the National Savings Certificate (NSC). PPF has an interest rate of 7.1%, with annual compounding. The minimum investment is INR 500, and the maximum is INR 1.5 lakhs annually. PPF is tax-free. NSC has an interest rate of 6.8%, also compounded annually. It qualifies for a tax deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The minimum investment for NSC is INR 100, with no maximum limit.

Recurring deposits
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Recurring Deposits (RD) are similar to Fixed Deposits, but instead of depositing a lump sum, you invest a fixed amount of money every month for a predetermined period. The interest rate on Recurring Deposits ranges from 4% to 7%, and the interest earned is compounded quarterly. Recurring Deposits are a great way to build a savings habit and earn regular returns on your investment.

Simple Interest and Compound Interest Calculator
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When it comes to calculating interest, there are two methods: simple interest and compound interest. Here's a straightforward comparison:

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Simple Interest:
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You earn interest only on the initial amount you invested.

The initial investment remains constant.

Simple Interest Formula: SI = (P x T x R)/100

P: Principal amount

T: Time (in years)

R: Rate of interest

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Compound Interest:
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You earn interest on both your initial investment and the interest you've already earned.

The initial investment changes after each compounding period.

Compound Interest Formula: CI = P(1+r/n)^(nt)

P: Principal amount

r: Annual interest rate

n: Number of times interest is compounded per year

t: Time (in years)

Compounding Frequency in Compound Interest Calculation
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Over time, the impact of compounding becomes more significant. The interest or returns from previous periods get added to the principal, increasing the total principal amount. This, in turn, leads to earning interest on a higher principal.

A general rule of thumb is that the longer you allow your principal to grow, the larger your accumulated amount will be, leading to increased interest earnings. For example, consider our earlier illustration. We divided 5% by 4 because interest compounds quarterly, effectively compounding 20 times in 5 years. Although the actual investment period is 5 years with a 5% rate, the formula treats it as 20 time periods with a rate of 1.25% (5% ÷ 4).

This effectively boosts your annual interest rate. If you receive compound interest at 1.25% per quarter on ₹100 instead of 5% per annum, you'd have ₹105.0945 at the year's end (instead of ₹105 with a 5% annual rate). The impact is more noticeable with larger sums and longer investment durations, highlighting the power of compounding.

For instance, imagine you've invested ₹1 lakh in a fixed deposit earning 10% per annum, compounded quarterly. Since it compounds quarterly, the effective interest rate is slightly higher at 10.381%.

Here's a comparison of the effective rates over the years when we contrast annual compounding with quarterly compounding:

Period

Annual Compounding

Quarterly Compounding

1 year

₹1,10,000

₹1,10,380

5 years

₹1,61,051

₹1,63,852

10 years

₹2,59,374

₹2,68,499

Power of Compounding
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While the power of compounding is truly remarkable, you must understand that even when you are earning interest due to compounding benefits it may work sometimes against you when you are paying for it. To make full use of the power of compounding and harness it, you can invest in various assets like mutual funds, fixed deposits or the PPF. 

Let’s see how it works its magic in the long term so that you reap the benefits of compounding interest with a clear cut example. Let’s say you are investing 1,00,000/- per year in an equity mutual fund. Assuming it generates a 10% annual return, here’s how your investment may pan out and grow over different time frames:

With this you can see how your investment triples in justs 20 years, all because of the power of compounding. 

Frequently asked questions
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Here are some common questions about Compound interest calculator.

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Can a compound interest calculator be used for all types of investments in India?

Yes, a compound interest calculator can be used for various investment options in India, such as fixed deposits, mutual funds, and recurring deposits.

How often should I compound my investments in India?

The frequency of compounding depends on the investment option you choose. Fixed deposits usually compound interest on a quarterly basis, while mutual funds compound interest on a daily basis.

Is there a compound interest calculator app for India?

Yes, there are several compound interest calculator apps available for India. You can easily download them on your smartphone and use them to calculate the amount of money you will earn over time with compound interest.

What factors affect compound interest?

The factors that affect compound interest include the interest rate, the frequency of compounding, the principal amount, and the length of time the investment is held. Higher interest rates, more frequent compounding, larger principal amounts, and longer investment periods all lead to higher compound interest.

How can one maximise the benefits of compound interest?

To maximise the benefits of compound interest, it is essential to start investing early, invest regularly, choose investments with high-interest rates, and allow the investment to grow over a long period. It is also important to reinvest the earned interest instead of withdrawing it to maximise the effect of compounding.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes.