All calculators
Mortgages & MoneyLive

Future / Present Value

The two foundational time-value-of-money calculations in one tool.

Short answer

FV = PV × (1+r)ⁿ — what a sum becomes if invested at rate r for n years. PV = FV / (1+r)ⁿ — the discounted value today of money received in the future.

Inputs

What do you want?
£
%

Fill in the fields above to see your result instantly.

How it works

The time value of money: a pound today is worth more than a pound tomorrow because today's pound can be invested. FV and PV are inverse operations using compound interest.

Worked example

£10k at 5% for 10 years: FV £16,289. The £16,289 you'd receive in 10 years is worth £10,000 today.

Who should use this

  • Investment planning
  • Comparing pension lump sums vs annuity
  • Discounted cash flow analysis

Common mistakes

  • ×Confusing real vs nominal rates (does the rate include inflation?)
  • ×Using FV for irregular cash flows (use NPV instead)

Frequently asked questions

What discount rate should I use for PV?

Often a 'risk-free' rate (e.g. UK gilt yield) or your opportunity cost — whatever you'd otherwise earn.

Related calculators