Interest is the cost of borrowing money or the reward for lending it. There are two types of interest: simple interest and compounding interest.
Simple interest is a type of interest that is calculated only on the principal amount of the loan or deposit. It is typically expressed as a percentage of the principal and is paid or earned at a fixed rate over a specific period of time.
The formula for calculating simple interest is:
Simple Interest = Principal x Interest Rate x Time
For example, if you deposit $1000 at a simple interest rate of 5% per year for 2 years, the total interest earned would be $100 ($1000 x 5% x 2 years).
Compound interest is a type of interest that is calculated on both the principal amount of the loan or deposit and the accumulated interest from previous periods. It is typically expressed as a percentage of the principal and is paid or earned at a fixed rate over a specific period of time.
The formula for calculating compound interest is:
Compound Interest = Principal x (1 + Interest Rate)^Time
For example, if you deposit $1000 at a compound interest rate of 5% per year for 2 years, the total interest earned would be $110.25 ($1000 x (1 + 5%)^2 years).
By understanding the difference between simple and compounding interest and the formulas for calculating them, individuals and businesses can make informed decisions about borrowing and lending money. It’s always a good idea to carefully research the terms and conditions of a loan or deposit, including the interest rate and frequency of compounding, before making any financial decisions.