FV
Calculates the future value of an investment or loan based on a constant interest rate, number of periods, and regular payments. FV helps forecast how much an investment will grow over time or what a savings plan will be worth at a future date.
Syntax
FV(rate, periods, payment, [present_value], [type])
rate(Number): The interest rate per period.periods(Number): The total number of payment periods.payment(Number): The payment made each period (use negative for outflows).present_value(Number, optional): The current value or initial investment (default = 0).type(Number, optional): When payments are made: 0 = end of period (default), 1 = beginning.
Returns
Number – The future value of the investment or loan.
Examples
Estimate future savings
FV(0.04, 12, -500, -1000)Shows the total savings after 12 months of €500 deposits with a 4% annual rate and an initial €1000 deposit.
Project long-term investment growth
FV(0.06, 30, -200, 0)Calculates the future value of monthly $200 contributions to a retirement account over 30 years at 6% interest.
Compare loan repayment strategies
FV(0.05/12, 60, -300)Determines how much remains on a 5-year loan after consistent monthly payments.
Common Mistakes & Tips
Always express rate per period (e.g., annual 5% ÷ 12 = monthly 0.00417).
Payments are typically negative (outflows).
Set type = 1 if payments occur at the start of each period.
Use with PMT() or IPMT() for complete loan or investment schedules.
See Also
PMT · IPMT · IRR · CUMIPMT