Formula for Calculating CD Interest
A = P(1+r/n)(nt)
- A is the total that your CD will be worth at the end of the term, including the amount you put in.
- P is the principal, or the amount you deposited when you bought the CD.
- R is the rate, or annual interest rate, expressed as a decimal. If the interest rate is 1.25% APY, r is 0.0125.
- n is the number of times that interest in compounded every year. Most CDs pay interest that is compounded daily, so n = 365. Check with your bank to verify the interest is compounded daily.
- t is time, or the number of years until the maturity date.