Corporate finance

NPV Calculator

Value future cash flows today using a chosen discount rate.

Inputs

Adjust the assumptions below.

Results

A clear summary of your calculation.

Enter values and press Calculate to see an explanation.

INTERPRETATION

What does this mean?

Positive NPV indicates value above the chosen discount rate; zero meets it exactly; negative NPV falls short.

Read the learning guide

FORMULA

Formula

NPV is the sum of every cash flow from time zero onward, discounted to today.

WORKED EXAMPLE

Example

  1. Enter an initial investment of 1,000; the tool treats it as a time-zero outflow.
  2. Enter 600 for year one and year two, then set the discount rate to 10%.
  3. NPV is about 41.32, leaving a positive modeled value after applying the 10% hurdle rate.

Frequently asked questions

How is the initial investment entered?

Enter a positive outlay; the calculator treats it as a negative cash flow at time zero.

What does the discount rate represent?

It represents a required return or opportunity cost, chosen by the user.

Does positive NPV mean I should invest?

Not necessarily. Forecasts and discount rates are uncertain, and other risks and constraints matter.

Related calculators