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What is Simple Interest?
Simple interest is a calculation of interest that doesn’t take into account the effect of compounding. In many cases, interest compounds with each designated period of a loan, but in the case of simple interest, it does not. The calculation of simple interest is equal to the principal amount multiplied by the interest rate, multiplied by the number of periods.
For a borrower, simple interest is advantageous, since the total interest expense will be less without the effect of compounding. For a lender, compound interest is advantageous, as the total interest expense over the life of the loan will be greater.
Simple Interest Formula
Simple Interest: I = P x R x T
Where:
P = Principal Amount
R = Interest Rate
T = No. of Periods
The period must be expressed for the same time span as the rate. If, for example, the interest is expressed in a yearly rate, such as in a 5% per annum (yearly) interest rate loan, then the number of periods must also be expressed in years. Note that sometimes changes to interest rates may be expressed in basis points (BPS). It may be worth your while, as a financial professional, to learn how to convert BPS into interest rates.
If the interest rate is expressed as an annual figure, but the relevant time period is less than a year, then the interest rate must be prorated for one year. For example, if the interest rate is 8% per year, but the calculation in question calls for a quarterly interest rate, then the relevant interest rate is 2% per quarter. The 2% per quarter is equivalent to a simple interest rate of 8% per year. It is not the same, however, in the case of compounded interest.
Simple Interest Examples
Example #1
Mr. Albertson plans to place his money in a certificate of deposit that matures in three months. The principal is $10,000 and 5% interest is earned annually. He wants to calculate how much interest he will earn in those three months.
I = P x R x T
I = $10,000 x 5%/year x 3/12 of a year
I = $125
Example #2
Sara wants to borrow money from her mother, and she is offered a five-year, non-compounding loan of $7,000, with a 3% annual interest rate. What is Sara’s total interest expense?
I = P x R x T
I = $7,000 x 3%/year * 5 years
I = $1,050
Common Applications of Simple Interest
Simple interest has many real-life applications, such as the following:
#1 Bonds
Bonds pay non-compounding interest in the form of a coupon payment. These coupon payments are not automatically reinvested/compounded and, therefore, are an example of simple interest.
#2 Mortgages
It may be surprising to learn that most mortgages are based on non-compounding interest. Even though the principal payments vary, the interest is always considered as currently paid in full, and thus there is no compounding effect on the interest itself.
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Additional Resources
Thank you for reading CFI’s guide on Simple Interest. To help you become a world-class financial analyst and advance your career to your fullest potential, these additional CFI resources will be very helpful:
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