How do I calculate interest on a savings account?

Calculating interest on a savings account involves understanding the growth of your money over time. 

Let’s break it down:

  1. Simple Interest:

    • The formula for calculating simple interest in a savings account is: [ \text{Interest} = P \times R \times T ] where:
      • (P) represents the initial amount (the starting balance of your investment).
      • (R) is the annual interest rate (expressed as a decimal).
      • (T) is the time period (in years) your money will be in savings without any withdrawals.
    • Multiply the initial amount by the interest rate and the time period to find the simple interest earned.
    • Compound Interest:

      • Compound interest takes into account both the initial principal and the interest already earned.
      • The formula for compound interest is more complex: [ A = P \left(1 + \frac{r}{n}\right)^{nt} ] where:
        • (A) is the final amount (including interest).
        • (P) is the principal amount (initial deposit).
        • (r) is the annual interest rate (as a decimal).
        • (n) is the number of times interest is compounded per year.
        • (t) is the number of years the money will grow.
      • Use this formula to calculate the total amount after interest.
    • Using Online Calculators:

      • To make it easier, you can use online savings calculators that consider both simple and compound interest. These tools allow you to input your initial deposit, monthly contributions, interest rate, and time frame to estimate your investment growth.

Remember that the choice between simple and compound interest depends on the specific terms of your savings account. Explore different options, compare rates, and decide what works best for your financial goals.