Simple Interest Calculator

Calculate simple interest ($I = P \times r \times t$) for promissory notes, short-term personal loans, and compare against compound growth.

Simple Interest (I = Prt)
$1,800.00
Total Maturity Value
$11,800.00
Compounded Comparison
$11,910.16
Compound Advantage
+$110.16 extra

Simple Interest Formula

I = P × r × t | Maturity Value = P + I | Compound Advantage = P(1 + r)^t − (P + I)
  • P (Principal): Initial principal borrowed or deposited.
  • r: Annual nominal interest rate expressed as a decimal (e.g. 6% = 0.06).
  • t: Time period in years.
  • Key Difference: Simple interest does not earn interest on previously accrued interest.

Step-by-Step Worked Example

Scenario:

Calculation Steps:

    Result:

    How to Use This Calculator

      Assumptions & Limitations

      • Simple interest calculations assume no reinvestment of interim interest payments.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Where is simple interest used in real life?

      Simple interest is commonly used in short-term promissory notes, auto loans (using simple interest amortization), peer-to-peer personal loans, and certain treasury bills.

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