Number guides

Plain-language explanations, reliable formulas, and worked examples that help you understand the answer—not merely copy it.

Finance

How to Calculate Simple Interest in Excel and Google Sheets

Build a simple-interest worksheet in Excel or Google Sheets with percentage inputs, time bases, reusable references, and independent checks.

5 min read · Practical examples
Finance

The Rule of 72: Estimating How Long Money Takes to Double

Use the Rule of 72 to estimate doubling time, then compare it with logarithmic compound-growth math. Check units, deposits, inflation, and approximation error.

5 min read · Practical examples
Finance

Compound Interest With Withdrawals: How Balances Change

Model fixed withdrawals with a compound-growth recurrence. Compare beginning and end timing, reconcile earnings, and stop at the funded-plan boundary.

5 min read · Practical examples
Finance

How to Calculate Compound Interest in Excel and Google Sheets

Build compound-interest formulas in Excel or Google Sheets using matched rate periods, FV signs, deposit timing, and balance reconciliation.

5 min read · Practical examples
Finance

How to Calculate an Emergency Fund Savings Goal

Build an expenses-based emergency-fund worksheet with chosen coverage periods, available reserves, and monthly saving scenarios, without one universal target.

5 min read · Practical examples
Finance

Weekly vs. Monthly Savings: Comparing Contribution Schedules

Compare weekly and monthly saving with equal annual contributions. Check deposit counts, timing, rate units, and why four weeks is not a month.

5 min read · Practical examples
Finance

How Much Interest Will My Savings Earn?

Separate savings interest from opening money and new deposits. Work through constant-yield examples, cash-flow timing, and savings-goal model limits.

5 min read · Practical examples
Finance

Investment Return vs. Account Growth: Why Deposits Are Not Profit

Reconcile investment account growth with deposits, withdrawals, and net gain. Learn why a larger ending balance does not establish a positive investment return.

5 min read · Practical examples
Finance

Arithmetic vs. Geometric Investment Returns: Why Averages Differ

Compare arithmetic and geometric investment returns with gain-and-loss paths. Reconcile compounded balances and see why cash-flow timing matters.

5 min read · Practical examples
Finance

Dividend Reinvestment: How It Changes Investment Growth

Track dividends taken as cash versus reinvested shares using a transparent ledger. Avoid double-counting distributions in total-return investment projections.

5 min read · Practical examples