The Compound Interest Formula
For a lump sum with no additional contributions:
A = P × (1 + r/n)^(n×t)
P = principal | r = annual rate | n = compounds per year | t = years
With regular contributions (PMT per compounding period):
A = P × (1 + r/n)^(nt) + PMT × [((1 + r/n)^(nt) − 1) / (r/n)]
New Hampshire example — saving $$832/month (10% of median income) at 7% compounded monthly:
- Monthly rate: 7% ÷ 12 = 0.5833%
- After 10 years: $144,007 ( $99,840 contributed + $44,167 interest)
- After 20 years: $433,411
- After 30 years: $1,015,016 ( $299,520 contributed + $715,496 interest)
The $10,000 lump sum comparison: $10,000 invested at 7% (monthly compounding) for 30 years grows to $81,165 — a 712% total return on the original principal. This is the power of compound interest: returns on returns, compounding continuously over time.