How to use the Simple Interest Calculator
- Enter the principal (the original amount).
- Enter the yearly interest rate.
- Enter the time and pick years, months or days.
- See the interest, total amount and the working.
Formula used
I = P × R × T ÷ 100Amount A = P + I
T must be in years: months ÷ 12, or days ÷ 365.
Worked examples
| Principal | Rate | Time | Interest | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 5% | 2 years | 100 | 1,100 |
| 5,000 | 8% | 3 years | 1,200 | 6,200 |
| 20,000 | 12% | 6 months | 1,200 | 21,200 |
| 10,000 | 10% | 90 days | 246.58 | 10,246.58 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for simple interest?
I = PRT/100, with P the principal, R the yearly rate and T the time in years.
How do I find the rate if I know the interest?
R = I × 100 ÷ (P × T). For example, 120 interest on 1,000 over 2 years is a 6% rate.
How do I convert months to years?
Divide months by 12. Six months is 0.5 years.
Where is simple interest used?
In school maths, some short-term loans, auto loan quotes that use a flat rate, and deposits that pay interest out instead of reinvesting it.
Is simple interest better than compound interest?
For a borrower, yes. For a saver, compound interest earns more. See the Compound Interest Calculator.