Daily Figures Edition No Sign-Up Free Forever Vol. XII — No. 204
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APY Calculator

Convert between APR and APY for any compounding frequency, and see a year’s interest.

Result
Effective annual yield.
Details
The other rate
Interest in 1 year
Balance after 1 year
Compounding
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How the APY Calculator Works

APR is the nominal yearly rate; APY (annual percentage yield) is what you actually earn once compounding is counted. Because interest earns interest during the year, APY is always a little higher than APR — and the more often it compounds, the bigger the gap. This calculator converts between the two and shows a year’s interest on a balance.

APY is the honest number for comparing savings accounts and CDs, since it folds in the compounding frequency. When comparing offers, line up APY against APY.

APY = (1 + APR ÷ n)^n − 1  (n = compounds per year)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between APR and APY?

APR is the base yearly rate; APY includes compounding within the year, so it’s slightly higher. 5% APR compounded daily is about 5.13% APY.

Why does compounding frequency matter?

More frequent compounding earns interest on interest sooner, raising the effective yield. Daily beats monthly beats annual for the same APR.

Which should I compare between banks?

APY. It reflects what you actually earn after compounding, so it’s the fair basis for comparing savings accounts and CDs.

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