How to use the Interest Calculator
- 1 Enter the starting amount, the annual interest rate and the number of years.
- 2 Optionally add a monthly deposit and choose how often interest is added.
- 3 Read the final balance, the total interest and the year-by-year overview.
Compound vs. simple interest
With simple interest you only earn interest on the money you deposited. €1,000 at 5% earns €50 every year: €1,100 after two years.
With compound interest the interest is added to your balance and earns interest itself. €1,000 at 5% compounded yearly grows to €1,102.50 after two years, and the difference keeps growing. After 30 years simple interest gives €2,500, compound interest €4,322.
How often is interest added?
The more often interest is compounded, the more you earn: 4% compounded monthly equals an effective annual rate (APY or AER) of 4.07%. The calculator shows this effective rate so you can compare accounts that compound differently.
The formula
Without deposits, compound growth is A = P × (1 + r/n)^(n·t), where P is the starting amount, r the annual rate, n the number of compounding periods per year and t the number of years. With monthly deposits the calculator simulates every month: interest is added first, then the deposit at the end of the month.
The rule of 72
Divide 72 by the interest rate to estimate how many years it takes to double your money: at 6%, about 12 years; at 3%, about 24 years.
Keep in mind
The calculation assumes a fixed interest rate and ignores taxes, fees and inflation. Real savings rates change over time, and in many countries interest or capital is taxed. Use the result as an indication, not as financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is compound interest?
Interest on interest: the interest you earn is added to your balance, so the next period you earn interest on a larger amount.
When are the monthly deposits added?
At the end of every month, after that month’s interest. A deposit therefore starts earning interest from the following month.
Does the calculator include tax and inflation?
No. It shows gross growth at a fixed rate. Subtract taxes and consider inflation to see the real value.
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