💰 Personal FinanceSimple Interest Calculator

Simple Interest Calculator

Calculate simple interest and the final balance on a principal amount.

UPDATED · MAY 2026
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4.00% simple over 3 years
$600.00
PRINCIPAL$5,000.00
FINAL BALANCE$5,600.00
Interest earned
$600.00
Final balance
$5,600.00
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How to use the Simple Interest Calculator

  1. 01
    Enter the principal. The starting amount.
  2. 02
    Set the annual rate. The simple interest rate per year.
  3. 03
    Enter the time. In years; the interest and final balance appear instantly.

How is it calculated?

Simple interest is charged only on the original principal, never on accumulated interest: I = P × r × t, where P is principal, r the annual rate, and t the time in years. The final balance is principal plus interest. $5,000 at 4% for 3 years earns $600.

Frequently asked

The questions readers ask most about the simple interest calculator.

Simple interest is always calculated on the original principal. Compound interest is calculated on principal plus previously earned interest, so it grows faster.