Financial Calculator – Free Online Money Tools
Solve for the missing variable among present value, future value, rate, time and payments.
About the Financial Calculator
What is the Financial Calculator?
The financial calculator solves the time-value-of-money equation for whichever variable you leave unknown: future value, present value, payment, interest rate or number of periods.
Why use this calculator?
It is the digital equivalent of a business calculator, useful for planning savings, valuing a stream of payments, or checking a lender\u2019s figures.
How to use it
- Choose which variable you want to solve for.
- Fill in the remaining fields.
- Set the periods per year (12 for monthly).
- The unknown value is highlighted at the top.
Formula
TVM: PV(1+r)^n + PMT·((1+r)^n − 1)/r + FV = 0
Cash outflows and inflows are handled with standard sign conventions; make payments positive and present value negative if solving for future value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to be careful with signs?
Time-value equations assume money paid out and money received have opposite signs. Mixing signs can produce a result that is the right size but the wrong direction.
What does "nper" mean?
It is the total number of compounding or payment periods. For a monthly plan over 10 years, nper is 120.
What is compound interest?
Compound interest is interest earned on both your original money and on previously earned interest. Over time it can make savings grow much faster than simple interest.
What is the difference between nominal and effective return?
The nominal return ignores compounding within the year, while the effective (annualised) return accounts for it. The effective figure is usually higher and better reflects real growth.
How does inflation affect my returns?
Inflation erodes purchasing power. The real return is the nominal return minus inflation, so an investment can grow in dollars yet still lose value in what it can buy.
What rate of return should I assume?
A common long-term assumption for a diversified stock portfolio is about 6% to 8% per year after inflation, but returns vary and are never guaranteed.
Does this account for taxes and fees?
Unless stated, the tool shows pre-tax, pre-fee growth. Subtract your fund expense ratio and expected tax rate to estimate what you keep.
Can I print or share my result?
Yes. Use your browser's print function or screenshot the result. The page is designed to print cleanly.
What if my inputs are outside the typical range?
The calculators accept a wide range of values, but extreme inputs may produce unrealistic results. Double-check the units you are using.
How often is the calculator updated?
We review formulas and rates periodically to keep them aligned with current standards and published data.