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Compound Interest Formula

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Compound Interest is the interest that is calculated against a loan or deposit amount in which interest is calculated for the principal as well as the previous interest earned.

The common difference between compound and simple interest is that in compound interest, interest is calculated for the principal amount as well as for the previously earned interest whereas simple interest depends only on the principal invested.

What is Compound Interest?

Compound Interest is interest on the principal amount as well as the interest earned on the principal amount. The word “Compound Interest” is composed of two words “Compound” which means composed of two or more and “Interest” means money earned on lending the amount. Hence, compound interest is the money earned on lending and it is composed of two types of interest which are:

  • Interest on Principal Amount
  • Interest on Interest Earned on Principal Amount over the Period

Compound Interest Definition

Compound interest is the interest calculated on the principal and the interest earned previously. It is denoted by C.I. It is very useful for investment and loan repayment purposes. It is also known as “interest on interest”. 

Compound interest is very useful in the banking and finance sectors and is also useful in other sectors. A few of its use are:

  • Growth of the population of a country
  • Value of investment over a period of time.
  • For finding Inflated costs and the depreciated value of any article.
  • For predicting the growth of any institution or country.

Compound Interest (C.I) = Amount – Principal

Compound Interest Formula

Compound Interest is calculated, after calculating the total amount over a period of time, based on the rate of interest, and the initial principal. For an initial principal of P, rate of interest per annum of r, time period t in years, frequency of the number of times the interest is compounded annually n, the formula for calculation of CI is as follows:

CI = P(1 + r/100)n – P

The above formula for calculating compound interest is added in the image form below:

Compound Interest Formula

Compound Interest Formula

Where,

  • P = Principal
  • r = Rate of Interest
  • n = Number of Times Interest is Compounded Per Year
  • t = Time (in years)

We can write the formula for compound interest as:

Compound Interest = A – P

Where,

  • A = Total Amount of Money after Compounding
  • P = Initial Principal Amount

Compound Interest = P(1 + r/n)nt -P

Where,

  • P = Initial Principal Amount
  • r = Annual Interest Rate
  • n = Number of Times Interest is Compounded
  • t = Number of Years

Compound Interest can be calculated yearly, half-yearly, quarterly, monthly, daily, etc. as per the requirement.

How to Calculate Compound Interest?

Compound interest is the interest paid both on principal as well as interest accumulated. The interest earned at each interval is added to the initial principal ad thus principal goes on increasing. 

Use following methods to find compound interest.

Step 1: Note, Principal, Rate, and Time period given

Step 2: Calculate amount using formula A = P(1 + r/100)n 

Step 3: Find Compound Interest using the formula CI = Amount – Principal

At regular intervals, the interest so far accumulated is clubbed with the existing principal amount and then the interest is calculated for the new principal. The new principal is equal to the sum of the Initial principal, and the interest accumulated so far.

Compound Interest = Interest on Principal + Interest on Interest of Principal(From second year and ownwards)

Compound Interest is calculated at regular intervals like annually(yearly), semi-annually, quarterly, monthly, etc; It is like, re-investing the interest income from an investment makes the money grow faster over time! It is exactly what compound interest does to money. Banks or any financial organization calculate the amount based on compound interest only.

Compound Interest Formula – Derivation

Compound interest formula is a powerful tool used in finance to calculate the interest earned or paid on an initial principal amount, which includes both the initial principal and the interest accumulated over previous periods. The formula for compound interest is given by:

[Tex]A = P \left(1 + \frac{r}{n}\right)^{nt} [/Tex]

Where,

  • A is Future Value of Investment or loan, including interest
  • P is Principal Amount (initial investment or loan amount)
  • r is Annual Interest Rate (as a decimal)
  • n is Number of times that interest is compounded per year
  • t is Time Money is invested or borrowed for, in years

Simple Interest Formula

Simple interest is calculated only on the principal amount. It can be represented by the formula,

[Tex] A = P + P \cdot r \cdot t [/Tex]

Compound Interest Formula with Continuous Compounding

When interest is compounded continuously (infinitely many times per year), the formula for compound interest is derived using the formula for continuous compounding:

[Tex]A = P \cdot e^{rt} [/Tex]

Where,

  • e is Euler’s number (approximately 2.71828)
  • P is Principal Amount
  • r is Annual Interest Rate
  • t is Time in Years

General Compound Interest Formula

To derive the general compound interest formula, let’s consider compounding interest n times per year.

If P is compounded n times per year at an annual interest rate r, the interest r is divided by n and applied n times per year. So, after t years, the formula becomes:

[Tex]A = P \left(1 + \frac{r}{n}\right)^{nt} [/Tex]

Where,

  • [Tex] \frac{r}{n} [/Tex] represents the interest rate per compounding period.
  • nt is the total number of compounding periods over t years.

This formula illustrates how the initial principal amount grows over time when interest is compounded at regular intervals. As n approaches infinity (i.e., continuous compounding), the formula converges toward the continuous compounding formula [Tex]A = P \cdot e^{rt} [/Tex].

In summary, the compound interest formula [Tex]A = P \left(1 + \frac{r}{n}\right)^{nt} [/Tex] is a result of the continuous compounding formula adapted for discrete compounding periods per year. It allows for the calculation of the future value of an investment or loan, factoring in compounded interest at regular intervals.

Half-yearly Compound Interest Formula

Let the principal invested be P and the interest rate is R % per annum which is compounded half-yearly for ‘t’ years

As it is compounded half-yearly, the principal will be changed at the end of 6 months, and interest earned till then will be added to the principal and then this becomes the new principal. Similarly, the final amount is calculated.

We know,

rate = R% per Annum Compounded Half Yearly

rate = (R/2)%

time is t years we know that, t years have 2t half years

Now,

A = P(1 + R/200)2t

CI = A – P

Quarterly Compound Interest formula

Let the principal invested be P and the interest rate is R % per annum which is compounded quarterly for t years

As it is compounded quarterly, the principal will be changed at the end of 3 months, and interest earned till then will be added to the principal and then this becomes the new principal. Similarly, the final amount is calculated.

we know,

rate = R% per annum compounded quarterly

rate = (R/4)%

time is t years we know that, t years have 4t quarters

Now,

A = P(1 + R/400)4t

CI = A – P

Monthly Compound Interest Formula

If the interest is compounded monthly then the number of times of compounding will be 12 and the interest each month will be 1/12 of annual compound interest. Hence, Monthly Compound Interest Formula is given as

A = P[1 + (R/1200)]12t

CI = A – P

Daily Compound Interest Formula

If interest is compounded daily, then

New Rate of interest will be R/365 %

n = 365

Hence, Daily Compound Interest Formula is given as,

A = P[1 + (R/36500)]365t

CI = A – P

Periodic Compounding Rate Formula

Total amount, including principal P and compounded interest CI, is given by:

A = P[1 + (r/n)]nt

where,

  • P = Principal
  • A = Final Amount
  • r = Annual Interest Rate
  • n = Number of Times Interest is Compounding
  • t = Time (in years)

Thus, compound interest is:

CI = A – P

Rule of 72

Rule of 72 is the formula that is used to estimate, how many years our money gets doubled if it is compounded annually. For example, if our money is invested at r % compounded annually then it takes 72/r years for our money to get doubled.

This calculation is also useful for calculating the inflated value of our money, i.e. it gives in how many years the value of our asset gets halved if it gets depreciated annually.

Rule of 72 formula

Following formula is used to approximate the number of years for our investment to get doubled.

N = 72 / r

where,

  • N is Approximate Number of Year Our Money Get Doubled
  • r is Rate at Which Our Money is Compounded Annually

Rule of 72 example

Suppose Kabir has invested 10,00,000 rupees in a debt fund which gives an 8% return. Find in how many years its money gets doubled if it is compounded annually.

Using above formula: N = 72/8 = 9 years

Thus, it takes 9 years for Kabir’s money to get doubled.

Compound Interest of Consecutive Years

If we have the same sum and the same rate of interest. The C.I. of a particular year is always more than C.I of Previous Year. (CI of 3rd year is greater than CI of 2nd year). Difference between CI for any two consecutive years is interest of one year on C.I of preceding year.

C.I of 3rd year – C.I of 2nd year = C.I of 2nd year × r × 1/100 

Difference between amounts of any two consecutive years is the interest of one year on amount of preceding year.

Amount of 3rd year – Amount of 2nd year = Amount of 2nd year × r × 1/100 

Key Results

When we have same sum and same rate,

C.I for nth year = C.I for (n – 1)th year + Interest for one year on C.I for (n – 1)th year

Continuous Compounding Interest Formula

Continuous Compounding Formula is used in Finance to calculate the final value of an investment which undergoes continuous compounding over different period and value is added over the time. The formula for continuous compounding is given as

Final Value = Present Value × ert

where,

  • r is rate of interest
  • t is time

Learn More, Continuous Compounding Formula

Some Other Applications of Compound Interest

Growth: This is mainly used for growth if industries are related.

Production after n years = initial production × (1 + r/100)n

Depreciation: When the cost of a product depreciates by r% every year, then its value after n years is 

Present value × (1 + r/100)n

Population Problems: When the population of a town, city, or village increases at a certain rate per year.

Population after n years = present population × (1 + r/100)n

Difference between Compound Interest and Simple Interest

The difference between Compound Interest and Simple Interest can be learned below in this article

Compound Interest vs Simple Interest

Compound Interest (CI)

Simple Interest (SI)

CI is interest that is calculated both on the principal and the previously earned interest.SI is interest that is calculated only on the principal.
For the same principle, Rate, and Time period CI > SIFor the same principle, Rate, and Time period SI < CI

Formula for CI is

A = P(1 + R/100)T

CI = A – P
 

Formula for SI is

SI = (P×R×T) / 100

Learn, Simple Interest

Compound Interest Examples

Some examples on compound interest formulas are,

Example 1: Find the Compound Interest when principal = Rs 6000, rate = 10% per annum and time = 2 years.

Solution: 

Interest for first year = (6000 × 10 × 1)/100 = 600

Amount at the end of first year = 6000 + 600 = 6600

Interest for second year = (6600 × 10 × 1) / 100 = 660

Amount at the end of second year = 6600 + 660 = 7260

Compound Interest = 7260 – 6000 = 1260

Example 2: What will be the compound interest on Rs 8000 in two years when the rate of interest is 2% per annum?

Solution: 

Given,

  • Principal P = 8000
  • Rate r = 2% 
  • Time = 2 years 

by formula

A = P (1 + R/100)n

A = 8000 (1 + 2/100)2 = 8000 (102/100)2

A = 8323

Compound interest = A – P = 8323 – 8000 = Rs 323

Example 3: Hari deposited Rs. 4000 with a finance company for 2 years at an interest of 5% per annum. What is the compound interest that Rohit gets after 2 years?

Solution: 

Given,

  • Principal P = 4000
  • Rate r = 5%
  • Time = 2years

By formula,

A = P (1 + R/100)n

A= 4000 (1 + 5/100)2

A= 4000 (105/100)2

A= 4410

Compound Interest = A – P = 4410 – 4000 = 410

Example 4: Find the compound interest on Rs. 2000 at the rate of 4 % per annum for 1.5 years. When interest is compounded half-yearly?

Solution:

Given,

  • Principal p = 2000
  • Rate r = 4%
  • Time = 1.5 ( i.e 3 half years )

by formula ,

A = P (1 + R/200)2n

A =  2000 (1 + 4/200)3

A = 2000 (204/200)3

A = 2122

Compound Interest = A – P = 2122 – 2000 = 122

Example 5: What is the compound interest on 10000 for one year at the rate of 20% per annum, if the interest is compounded quarterly?

Solution: 

Given,

  • Principal P = Rs 10000
  • Rate R = 12% (12/4 = 3 % per quarter year)
  • Time = 1 year (1 × 4 = 4 quarters)

By Formula,

A = P (1 + R/100)n

A = 10000 (1 + 3/100)4   

A = 10000 (103/100)4

 A = 11255

Compound Interest = A – P  = 11255 – 10000 = 1255

Example 6: Find the compound interest at the rate of 5% per annum for 2 years on that principal which in 2 years at the rate of 5% per annum given Rs. 400 as simple interest.

Solution:

Given,

  • Simple Interest SI = 400
  • Rate R = 5%
  • Time T = 2 years

By Formula,

Simple Interest = (P × T × R)/100

⇒ P = (SI × 100)/T × R

P = (400 × 100)/2 × 5 Rate of Compound Interest = 5%

P = 40000/10  = Rs 4000

Time = 2 years

By Formula,

A = P (1 + R/100)

A = 4000 (1 + 5/100)

A = 4410

Compound Interest = A – P = 4410 – 4000 = 410

Example 7: Find the compound interest on Rs 30000 at 7% interest compounded annually for two years.

Solution:

  • Principal P = Rs 30000
  • Rate R = 7%
  • Time = 2 year

By formula,

A = P (1 + R/100)n

A = 30000 (1 + 7/100)2

A = 30000 (107/100)2

A = 34347

Compound Interest = A – P = 34347 – 30000 = 4347

Related Reads

Compound Interest – Practice Questions

Various practice questions on compound intersest are,

Q1. Find the Amount that need to be paid after 3 years if a sum of 10000 is lent at the rate of 4% compounded annually.

Q2. Find the interest need to be paid after 1.5 years if a sum of 2500 is lent at rate of 6% compounded half-yearly.

Q3. Calculate the compound interest for a amount of 9000 lent at the rate of 5% quarterly for 15 months.

Q4. Calculate the compound interest for a amount of 20000 lent at the rate of 12% for 3 months compounded monthly

Compound Interest – FAQs

What Compound Interest Meaning?

Compound Interest is the interest calculated on the principal as well as the previous interest earned over a fixed period of time

How to calculate Compound Interest?

To calculate Compound Interest first final amount is calculated then it is subtracted from the principal to get the final Compound Interest. The amount is calculated using the formula,

A = P(1 + R/100)t

CI = A – P

Is Compound Interest better than Simple Interest for investors?

Yes, Compound Interest is far better than Simple Interest for investors.

What is Compound Interest Formula if it is compounded daily?

Suppose the given principal is P, the rate is R, and the time interval is T years then the compound interest formula when it is compounded daily is:

A = P(1 + R/365){365 × T}

What is Difference between CI and SI?

Basic difference between CI and SI is SI is interest charged on Principal Amount while CI is interest charged on Principal amount as well as on the interest accumulated on the principal



Last Updated : 21 Feb, 2024
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