Compound Interest Calculator

Albert Einstein called it the "8th wonder of the world." Use our professional tool to visualize how your money grows over time through the magic of compounding.

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The Anatomy of Wealth: How Compounding Works

Compound Interest (CI) is the interest calculated on the initial principal, which also includes all of the accumulated interest from previous periods. In simple terms, it is "interest on interest." This creates a snowball effect where your wealth grows exponentially over time.

The Wealth Formula

A = P(1 + r/n)nt
  • A = Final Amount
  • P = Initial Principal
  • r = Annual Interest Rate
  • n = Compounding Frequency
  • t = Number of Years

Frequency Matters

The more frequently interest is added to your account, the faster your balance grows.Monthly compounding earns you more than yearly compounding at the exact same interest rate. Our tool lets you toggle between all standard frequencies to see the "Frequency Bonus."

The "Rule of 72"

A quick mental trick for compound interest is the Rule of 72. Divide 72 by your annual interest rate to find out approximately how many years it will take for your money to double.
Example: At 8% interest, your money doubles in 72 / 8 = 9 years.

Compounding for Loans vs. Investments

Compounding is a double-edged sword. While it is your greatest ally when **investing** (like in a Savings Account or FD), it is your enemy when you have **debt** (like Credit Card interest). High-interest debt compounds rapidly, which is why many people struggle to pay off credit cards once the balance starts growing.

Maximize Your Compound Effect

The two most important factors in compounding are Time and Consistency. Starting 5 years earlier can often result in significantly more wealth than investing twice the amount of money later in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a saver, more frequent compounding (like daily or monthly) is always better as it generates more 'interest on interest'. For borrowers, less frequent is better. Our calculator lets you compare these frequencies easily.
Yes, most Indian banks use quarterly compounding for their Fixed Deposit products. This means your interest is calculated and added back to your principal every three months.
It's a quick way to estimate doubling time. Divide 72 by your annual interest rate. For example, at 8% interest, your money takes approx 9 years (72/8) to double.
Because it allows wealth to grow exponentially rather than linearly. Given enough time, the amount of interest earned can far exceed the original principal, creating massive wealth.
Last Updated: January 2026Category: Financial Growth / Investing