Present Value Calculator

Finance Calculator

Present Value Calculator

Calculate what a future amount is worth today using a discount rate.

Calculator guide

How this calculator works

How to use this calculator

1. Enter the future amount.
2. Enter the annual discount rate.
3. Enter the number of years.
4. Click Calculate Present Value to estimate the equivalent value today.

Formula used

Present Value = Future Value ÷ (1 + r)^t

where:
r = annual discount rate as a decimal
t = number of years

Example calculation

Example: $15,000 received in 4 years with a 5% discount rate

Present Value = 15,000 ÷ (1.05)^4
Present Value ≈ $12,340.54

What the result means

The result estimates what a future amount is worth today under the discount rate you entered. A higher discount rate generally produces a lower present value.

Frequently asked questions

What is a discount rate?

It is the annual rate used to translate a future amount into an equivalent present value.

Is present value the same as future value?

No. Present value discounts a future amount back to today, while future value grows a present amount forward.

Does this include cash flows received along the way?

No. This calculator discounts one future amount.