- Enter the Future Value, Discount Rate, Number of Years, and Compounding Frequency.
- Click "Calculate" to calculate the Present Value and display it in the chart and result below.
- Your calculation history will be shown in the table below the calculator.
- Use "Clear" to reset the calculator and "Copy Result" to copy the present value to the clipboard.
| Calculation | Present Value |
|---|
Concepts
Present value (PV) is the value of a future sum of money today. It is calculated by discounting the future sum of money by a discount rate, which is the rate of return that can be earned on an investment.
The basic present value formula is as follows:
PV = FV / (1 + r)^n
Where:
- PV is the present value
- FV is the future value
- r is the discount rate
- n is the number of periods
Formulae
The following formulae can be used to calculate the present value of different types of cash flows:
- Single cash flow:
- PV = FV / (1 + r)^n
- Annuity:
- PV = A * [1 – (1 + r)^-n] / r
- Where A is the annual payment
- Perpetuity:
- PV = A / r
Benefits
There are a number of benefits to using a basic present value calculator:
- It can help you to make informed financial decisions. For example, you can use a present value calculator to compare the value of different investment options or to determine how much you need to save to reach a financial goal.
- It can help you to avoid overpaying for assets. For example, if you are considering buying a house, you can use a present value calculator to determine the maximum amount that you should offer, based on the expected future cash flows from the property.
- It can help you to understand the value of time. For example, you can use a present value calculator to see how the value of a future sum of money decreases over time due to inflation.
Interesting facts
- The concept of present value has been around for centuries. It was first used by merchants in the Middle Ages to calculate the value of bills of exchange.
- Present value is a fundamental concept in finance and economics. It is used to evaluate a wide range of financial assets and liabilities, including bonds, loans, stocks, and real estate.
- Present value is also used in other fields, such as actuarial science and project management.
References
- Financial Mathematics: An Introduction by Irvin H. Siegel and John W. Van Horne (2013)
- Investments by Zvi Bodie, Alex Kane, and Alan J. Millerron (2018)
- Corporate Finance by Richard Brealey, Stewart Myers, and Frank Allen (2016)
Examples
The following table shows some examples of present value calculations:
| Cash flow type | Future value | Discount rate | Number of periods | Present value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single cash flow | $10,000 | 5% | 5 years | $7,835 |
| Annuity | $1,000 | 5% | 5 years | $4,329 |
| Perpetuity | $1,000 | 5% | – | $20,000 |
Applications
Basic present value calculators can be used for a variety of applications, including:
- Investment analysis: Investors can use present value calculators to compare the value of different investment options and to determine the expected return on an investment.
- Loan analysis: Borrowers can use present value calculators to determine the monthly payments on a loan and to determine the total cost of a loan.
- Financial planning: Individuals and families can use present value calculators to develop financial plans and to reach their financial goals.
Conclusion
Basic present value calculators are a valuable tool for anyone who wants to make informed financial decisions. They can be used to compare the value of different investment options, to determine the monthly payments on a loan, and to develop financial plans.