A spreadsheet-based tool that automatically computes accumulated interest on a principal sum where interest is calculated and added to the principal each day. This calculation yields a total balance that grows exponentially over time, reflecting the power of compounding. For instance, a principal of $1000 earning a daily interest rate of 0.01% will accrue slightly more than the equivalent simple interest over a year, due to the daily reinvestment of earned interest.
The utility of such a tool resides in its capacity to project investment growth accurately and efficiently. Prior to widespread spreadsheet adoption, calculating compound interest, especially on a daily basis, necessitated complex manual computations. The availability of automated calculation simplifies financial planning, allowing individuals and institutions to model investment scenarios, compare different interest rates, and assess the potential impact of varying contribution schedules. This facilitates more informed decision-making in savings, investments, and debt management.