🔧 Compound Interest Calculator
Calculate compound interest growth for investments and savings accounts
How to Use This Compound Interest Calculator
Basic Usage:
- Fill in the required fields above
- Adjust any optional settings as needed
- Click the button to generate your result
- Copy or download the output
Tips: This compound interest calculator provides instant results and works entirely in your browser for privacy.
When You Might Need This
- • Retirement account growth projections for 401k and IRA planning
- • Stock market investment analysis with reinvested dividend calculations
- • Mutual fund and ETF performance modeling over extended time periods
- • High-yield savings account optimization and bank comparison analysis
- • Certificate of deposit (CD) ladder planning and maturity projections
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between simple and compound interest?
Simple interest only earns returns on your original principal, while compound interest earns returns on both your principal and previously earned interest, creating exponential growth over time.
How does compounding frequency affect my returns?
More frequent compounding (daily vs. annually) generates slightly higher returns because interest is calculated and added to your principal more often, giving you more opportunities for growth.
Why is starting early so important for compound interest?
Time is the most crucial factor in compound interest. Starting even a few years earlier can result in tens of thousands more in final value because your money has more time to compound and grow.