Simple Interest Calculator - Calculate I = P × r × t

Reviewed

Enter details
$
%
years
ResultUpdates as you type
Total amount (P + I)$11,500.00
Principal amount$10,000.00
Total simple interest$1,500.00
Principal vs Simple Interest
  • Principal amount87.0%
  • Simple interest13.0%
Simple Interest Linear Accumulation
  • Total amount
  • Simple interest
$0$5K$10K$15K$20K0123

Calculate simple interest earned, principal amount, and total accumulated balance using the standard formula I = P × r × t.

Simple Interest calculates interest charges or earnings strictly on the initial principal amount, without compounding. Use this simple interest calculator for short-term loans and bonds.

What is a Simple Interest Calculator?

A Simple Interest calculator quickly determines the interest charge on a loan or total returns on a simple interest deposit. Unlike compound interest, simple interest grows linearly over time.

Simple Interest vs Compound Interest

  • Simple Interest (I = P × r × t): Interest earned each year is constant.
  • Compound Interest (A = P × (1 + r/n)^(n × t)): Interest earns interest, causing exponential growth.

How to use

  1. Enter the principal deposit or loan amount.
  2. Input the annual interest rate percentage.
  3. Set the duration in years or fractional years.
  4. View the interest earned and final total balance instantly.

Formula

Simple interest is directly proportional to the principal, interest rate, and duration.

Simple Interest FormulaI = P × r × tI = total interest, P = principal amount, r = annual interest rate (decimal), t = time in years.
Total Accumulated AmountA = P + I = P × (1 + r × t)A = final total amount including principal and interest.

Worked examples

$10,000 principal at 5% simple interest for 3 years

With $10,000 principal at 5% per year over 3 years, interest equals $10,000 × 0.05 × 3 = $1,500, making total balance $11,500.

$50,000 loan at 8% simple interest for 5 years

Borrowing $50,000 at 8% simple interest over 5 years results in $20,000 total interest ($70,000 total payoff).

Frequently asked questions

What is Simple Interest?

Simple interest is interest calculated exclusively on the principal amount, without compounding previously earned interest.

How is Simple Interest different from Compound Interest?

Simple interest remains constant each period based on principal, whereas compound interest adds earned interest back to principal, causing accelerated growth.

When is Simple Interest used in real life?

Simple interest is commonly used for short-term personal loans, auto loans, consumer installment financing, and treasury bills.

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