Accounting Share · Interest, loans & valuation
Net Present Value Calculator
Discount each future net cash flow separately and deduct the initial outlay. The schedule makes both cash-flow timing and discounting visible.
The interactive calculator requires JavaScript. The formula and worked example below remain available.
01 / Enter your figures
Make the numbers yours.
Use one currency and consistent time periods. Amounts are shown in your input currency units; no currency conversion is performed.
02 / See the working
Your calculation
Enter your figures, then choose Calculate. Or load the worked example.
03 / Understand the method
Formula and method
NPV = −Initial investment + Sum of CFt ÷ (1 + r)^t
Discount each future net cash flow separately and deduct the initial outlay. The schedule makes both cash-flow timing and discounting visible.
How to use this calculator
- Collect the figures for the same entity, currency and reporting period.
- Enter each input using its label and unit. For percentages, enter 15 to mean 15%.
- Choose Calculate, inspect the breakdown and compare the result with your assumptions.
- Change one input to explore a scenario. Recalculate after edits; display rounding does not round the underlying calculation.
Inputs at a glance
- Initial investment paid at time zero: A nonnegative numeric input in the units specified by the label.
- Net cash flows at each period end: Enter one cash flow per equally spaced period. Negative cash flows are allowed.
- Discount rate per period (%): A percentage number rather than a decimal fraction.
Worked example
Follow one calculation.
- Initial investment paid at time zero
- 10000
- Net cash flows at each period end
- 6000,6000
- Discount rate per period (%)
- 10
- Calculated result
- 413.2231
Load this example in the interactive form to inspect the intermediate amounts and the full schedule.
Assumptions and interpretation
Periods must be equally spaced and the rate must match them. This is not XNPV for irregular dates; a positive NPV is conditional on the supplied assumptions.
The output is a model based on the figures entered. Check source records and use the accounting or contractual definitions relevant to your task before relying on a result.
Questions about this tool
What does the net present value calculation measure?
Discount each future net cash flow separately and deduct the initial outlay. The schedule makes both cash-flow timing and discounting visible.
Which assumptions can change the result?
Periods must be equally spaced and the rate must match them. This is not XNPV for irregular dates; a positive NPV is conditional on the supplied assumptions.
Why can displayed totals differ slightly from my spreadsheet?
Calculations use the unrounded input values. Only the display is rounded. Use four or six decimal places to inspect small differences, and check the timing, sign conventions and rounding policy in your spreadsheet.
Reference and further learning
Time value of money and loans. These original learning examples apply the displayed formula; the reference does not certify or endorse this calculator.
Look up an accounting term · Practise with accounting questions
Formula and worked example checked 4 November 2026. Calculations run in your browser without sending the entered figures to Accounting Share. Report a calculation issue with the tool name, example inputs and expected result; avoid sharing confidential records.
