Continuous Compounding Calculator

A = P · e^(rt) — the limit of compound interest as the compounding frequency → ∞.

Inputs

Result

Final value
1,648.72
Interest earned: 648.72.
  • FormulaA = P · e^(rt)
  • Growth factor1.648721
  • Effective annual ratee^r − 1, the discrete-equivalent annual rate.5.1271%
  • Time10 years

Step-by-step

  1. A = 1000 × e^(0.05 × 10) = 1000 × e^(0.5000) = 1000 × 1.648721 = 1,648.72.
  2. Effective annual rate = e^r − 1 = e^0.05 − 1 = 0.0513 = 5.1271%.

How to use this calculator

  • Enter principal, annual rate, and number of years.
  • Read final value and effective annual rate.

About this calculator

Continuous compounding is the theoretical limit of compound interest: as compounding frequency increases (annual → quarterly → daily → continuously), the formula simplifies to A = Pe^(rt). For most rates, daily compounding is essentially indistinguishable from continuous (within ~0.0001%). Useful in physics and bond pricing.

Frequently asked

For 5% annual: monthly gives EAR = 5.116%, continuous gives 5.127%. The difference is small but matters for large principals or long time horizons.

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