Lenders calculate how much interest you’ll pay with each payment in two main ways: simple or on an amortization schedule. Short-term loans often have simple interest. Larger loans, like mortgages, ...

Simple interest is paid only on the principal, e.g., a $10,000 investment at 5% yields $500 annually. Compound interest accumulates on both principal and past interest, increasing total returns over ...

Learn what the stated annual interest rate is and how to calculate it without compounding, plus how it compares to the effective annual rate.