How to use this calculator
Select the variable you want to solve for (FV, PMT, I/Y, N, or PV) using the tabs at the top. Fill in the other four known values, then click Calculate. Use + Settings to set payment frequency (P/Y), compounding frequency (C/Y), and whether payments occur at the beginning or end of each period.
Finance Calculator
Solve for any of the 5 TVM variables: FV, PMT, I/Y, N, or PV. Works like a BA II Plus financial calculator.
About Finance Calculator
About the Finance Calculator
This calculator implements the Time Value of Money (TVM) framework — the foundation of all financial calculations. It recognizes that a dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future, because money can earn interest over time.
The five TVM variables are: N (number of periods), I/Y (annual interest rate), PV (present value), PMT (periodic payment), and FV (future value). Given any four, this calculator solves for the fifth — exactly like a BA II Plus or HP 12C financial calculator.
Sign convention: Cash inflows (money received) are positive; cash outflows (money paid) are negative. For example, if you borrow $20,000 today, PV = +20,000. If you repay $2,000 per period, PMT = −2,000.
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TVM Tips
- →Cash inflows are positive; cash outflows are negative. Consistent sign convention is critical.
- →Set P/Y and C/Y correctly — monthly payments with annual compounding require C/Y = 12, P/Y = 12.
- →Annuity Due (payments at beginning) yields slightly higher FV than Ordinary Annuity (end).
- →N is in periods, not years. For monthly payments over 10 years, N = 120.
Calculate investment growth with regular contributions and compound interest.