How to use
- Choose the unknown variable, then enter the known TVM inputs.
- Set mode (loan/investment), payment timing, and periods per year.
- Review the main result, APR/EAR, and timeline. Export CSV or copy the URL.
Inputs
Result
Input summary
Cash-flow timeline
FAQ
Why can RATE fail to converge?
Some input combinations have no real solution, or the initial guess is too far. Adjust inputs and try again.
What is the difference between APR and EAR?
APR is the nominal annual rate, while EAR includes compounding effects. Use EAR when you need a true annual comparison.
How should signs be entered in investment mode?
Enter positive amounts in normal use. The calculator adjusts sign conventions internally based on the selected mode.
What should I enter first?
Choose the unknown variable first, then fill only the inputs you already know. Run a baseline case before changing one assumption at a time.
How precise are the results?
The calculator keeps internal precision and rounds only for display. Small differences can appear if another tool uses different period rules, constants, or rounding conventions.
Use TVM Solver with less guesswork
What this calculator is best for
Use this page when you need to solve one unknown TVM variable inside a single workflow: payment, present value, future value, period count, or rate. It works well for loan checks, savings scenarios, and quick option comparisons before deeper modeling.
How to keep scenarios comparable
Start with one baseline scenario, save it, then change a single assumption. Keep units aligned across runs, especially rate format, periods per year, payment timing, and whether you are thinking in loan or investment mode.
Common input mistakes
Most confusing outputs come from mixing monthly and yearly assumptions, comparing APR to EAR without conversion, or changing several fields at once. If the direction of change looks wrong, rebuild the baseline before trusting the number.
How to read the result
Check the main result first, then compare the periodic rate, APR, EAR, and cash-flow timeline. If the magnitude and direction both match your intuition, the scenario is usually ready to share or export.