Enter the present value, interest rate, time period, and compounding frequency into the future value calculator to determine the future value of an asset or security.

Future Value Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the future value of an asset.

V = PV * (1 + r) ^ n
  • Where V is the future value
  • PV is the present value
  • r is the rate of return
  • n is the number of periods

This formula can calculate the future value of anything that sees a consistent return rate.

Future Value (Finance) Definition

The future value in finance refers to the projected worth of an investment or asset at a specific point. It is a critical concept used to understand the potential growth or value of an investment over time.

By calculating the future value, investors can assess the profitability of an investment, make informed financial decisions, and plan for their future financial needs.

Future value is determined by considering the initial amount invested, the rate of return, and the period over which the investment is held.

The future value calculation considers the compounding effect, which means that the return on investment is reinvested over time, earning additional returns.

The significance of future value lies in its ability to help individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions. By calculating the future value of an investment, investors can evaluate the potential returns and compare different investment options.

This allows them to choose investments that align with their financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

For businesses, understanding future value assists in capital budgeting decisions. It enables them to assess the profitability of long-term investments, such as purchasing new equipment or expanding production facilities.

By estimating the future value, businesses can determine the viability and potential return on investment of such projects.

How to calculate the future value of an investment?

How to calculate future value?

  1. Determine the present value

    Calculate or determine how much initial investment or value an asset is worth.

  2. Determine the rate of return

    This will be the annual rate of return in percent.

  3. Enter the information into the formula above

    Using the total years, enter the information into the formula or calculator.

FAQ

What factors affect the future value of an investment?

The future value of an investment is primarily affected by the rate of return, the initial amount invested, the time period over which the investment is held, and the frequency of compounding interest.

Why is compounding frequency important in calculating future value?

Compounding frequency is important because it determines how often the earned interest is reinvested to earn additional interest. The more frequently the interest is compounded, the higher the future value of the investment.

Can future value calculations apply to any type of investment?

Yes, future value calculations can apply to a wide range of investments, including savings accounts, bonds, stocks, and real estate, as long as they have a definable rate of return over time.

How does inflation impact the future value of an investment?

Inflation reduces the purchasing power of money over time, which means the actual or real future value of an investment might be lower than the calculated future value when not accounting for inflation. Investors should consider the expected rate of inflation when evaluating the potential future value of an investment.

future value calculator
future value formula