1

The continuously compounded interest formula is:

Pe^rt

Where:

  • P = Principle
  • e = 2.718...
  • r = Annual interest rate
  • t = time in years

If instead of an annual interest rate, I got a monthly interest rate, how would that work. Would I have to change the time in years to time in months? Or lets say I got a interest rate per quarter, would t = time in quarters?

1 Answer 1

2

You have the right idea. Euler's number e links all continuously compounded growth/decay functions in that it represents the amount by which and initial amount will grow (decay) if one continuously compounds (decays) 100% per unit period.

In the equation you give, you would want r to be the per unit interest rate (meaning monthly interest if that is what you are given) and t to be the number of unit periods (meaning the total number of months if that is what you are given).

As an example: consider a case where you are given $100 principle, compounded continously at a monthly rate of 1% for three years. Your equation would be $100e^(36*0.01)

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .