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Compound Interest Calculator

Interest on interest, at any compounding frequency.

  • Principal
  • Interest
Total interest
Total amount
Principal amount

Figures are estimates for planning only, not investment or tax advice.

Compound interest pays a return on your returns. This calculator applies it at whatever frequency you choose — yearly, half-yearly, quarterly or monthly — and shows the interest separately from the principal.

The formula

A = P × (1 + r/n)n×t. The more often interest is compounded, the more you end up with: ₹1,00,000 at 8% for 10 years produces ₹2,15,892 yearly and ₹2,21,964 monthly.

The rule of 72

Divide 72 by the annual rate to estimate how long money takes to double. At 8% that is 9 years, at 12% it is 6 years, at 6% it is 12 years. It is accurate enough for mental arithmetic anywhere in the 4–15% range.

Frequently asked questions


What is the difference between nominal and effective rate?

The effective rate accounts for compounding frequency. 12% compounded monthly has an effective annual rate of 12.68%.


Does compounding help borrowers?

No — it works against you on any debt where unpaid interest is added to the balance, credit cards above all.


How do I add monthly contributions?

Use the SIP calculator, which compounds a stream of monthly payments.


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