Simple Interest Calculator

Finance & Investment

Interest on the principal only — for gold loans, informal lending and quick checks.

Runs entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded

Features

  • The classic P × R × T ÷ 100, worked out instantly.
  • Interest per year and per month.
  • Shows what the same rate would cost if it compounded.
  • Runs entirely in your browser — nothing you enter is uploaded.

How to use the Simple Interest Calculator

  1. 1Enter the principal, the annual rate and the time in years.
  2. 2Read the interest and the total repayable.
  3. 3Check the compound figure beside it if you are not sure which you have been quoted.

Frequently asked questions

What is the simple interest formula?

SI = (P × R × T) / 100, where P is the principal, R the annual rate as a percentage and T the time in years. The total repayable is the principal plus that interest.

When is interest actually simple rather than compound?

Gold loans, many vehicle and personal loans quoted at a "flat" rate, most informal and family lending, and some short-term business credit. Bank deposits, home loans and credit cards all compound. If you are not told which, assume compound and ask.

Why is a flat rate more expensive than it looks?

A flat rate charges interest on the full original amount for the whole term, even though you have repaid much of it. A 10% flat loan over three years costs roughly the same as a 17–18% reducing-balance loan. Always ask for the reducing-balance equivalent before comparing.