Future value (FV) refers to a method of calculating how much the present value (PV) of an asset or cash will be worth at a specific time in the future.
There are two ways of calculating future value: simple annual interest and annual compound interest.
Future value with simple interest is calculated in the following manner:
· Future Value = Present Value x [1 + (Interest Rate x Number of Years)]
For example, Bob invests $1,000 for five years with an interest rate of 10%. The future value would be $1,500.
· Future Value = $1,000 x [1 + (0.1 x 5)]
· Future Value = $1,000 x 1.5
· Future Value = $1,500
Future value with compounded interest is calculated in the following manner:
· Future Value = Present Value x [(1 + Interest Rate) Number of Years]
For example, John invests $1,000 for five years with an interest rate of 10%, compounded annually. The future value of John's investment would be $1,610.51.
· Future Value = $1,000 x [(1 + 0.1)5]
· Future Value = $1,000 x 1.61051
· Future Value = $1,610.51
It is important to remember that simple interest is always based on the present value, whereas compounded interest means that the present value grows exponentially each year.
Although calculating future value has its benefits, it is important to remember that future value does not include adjustments for inflation, fluctuating interest rates or fluctuating currency values that are likely to affect the true value of money or assets in the future.