Do you know the Rule of 72? It's an easy way to calculate just how long it's going to take for your money to double.
Just take the number 72 and divide it by the interest rate you hope to earn. That number gives you the approximate number of years it will take for your investment to double.
As you can see, a one-time contribution of $10,000 doubles six more times at 12 percent than at 3 percent.
Years | 3% | 6% | 12% |
0 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
6 | | | $20,000 |
12 | | $20,000 | $40,000 |
18 | | | $80,000 |
24 | $20,000 | $40,000 | $160,000 |
30 | | | $320,000 |
36 | | $80,000 | $640,000 |
42 | | | $1,280,000 |
48 | $40,000 | $160,000 | $2,560,000 |
How many doubling periods do you have in your life?
This table serves as a demonstration of how the Rule of 72 concept works from a mathematical standpoint. It is not intended to represent an investment. The chart uses constant rates of return, unlike actual investments which will fluctuate in value. It does not include fees or taxes, which would lower performance. It is unlikely that an investment would grow 10% or greater on a consistent basis.
FAQs
Just take the number 72 and divide it by the interest rate you hope to earn. That number gives you the approximate number of years it will take for your investment to double. As you can see, a one-time contribution of $10,000 doubles six more times at 12 percent than at 3 percent.
How to double $2000 dollars in 24 hours? ›
The Best Ways To Double Money In 24 Hours
- Flip Stuff For Profit. ...
- Start A Retail Arbitrage Business. ...
- Invest In Real Estate. ...
- Play Games For Money. ...
- Invest In Dividend Stocks & ETFs. ...
- Use Crypto Interest Accounts. ...
- Start A Side Hustle. ...
- Invest In Your 401(k)
What is the Rule of 72 for dummies? ›
The Rule of 72 is a calculation that estimates the number of years it takes to double your money at a specified rate of return. If, for example, your account earns 4 percent, divide 72 by 4 to get the number of years it will take for your money to double. In this case, 18 years.
How to double your money in 10 years? ›
If you need to double your financial investment in 10 years, a savings account with a 5% interest rate, for instance, wouldn't help achieve your goals. You'd need something with a higher rate of return (at least 7.2%) to make that 10-year milestone happen.
How long will it take $1000 to double at 6 interest? ›
So, if the interest rate is 6%, you would divide 72 by 6 to get 12. This means that the investment will take about 12 years to double with a 6% fixed annual interest rate.
How to make $1,000 dollars a day at home? ›
How to make $1,000 fast
- Sell stuff you already own.
- Deliver food.
- Pick up a part-time job.
- Rent out unused space.
- Start freelance writing.
- Try affiliate marketing.
- Drive for a ridesharing service.
- Find odd jobs.
How can I make $2000 immediately? ›
The Best Ways To Make $2,000 Fast
- Food Delivery Gigs.
- Freelance Writing.
- Sell Stuff You Own.
- Try Other Freelancing Gigs.
- Start A Blog.
- Make Money With Real Estate.
- Start An Online Business.
- Try Other Driving Gigs.
Does a 401k double every 7 years? ›
One of those tools is known as the Rule 72. For example, let's say you have saved $50,000 and your 401(k) holdings historically has a rate of return of 8%. 72 divided by 8 equals 9 years until your investment is estimated to double to $100,000.
How can I double my money legally fast? ›
The classic approach of doubling your money involves investing in a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds and is probably the one that applies to most investors.
How much money is 1 cent doubled for 30 days? ›
How much money will I have if I double a penny for 30 days? At the end of 30 days, if you double a penny every day, you will have $5,368,709.12. Why do most people choose $2 million over a penny doubled for 30 days?
t = ln(100,000/5,000)/0.097 ≈ 12.35 years Using the formula for continuous compounding interest, it will take approximately 12.35 years for a $5,000 investment to grow to $100,000 at an interest rate of 9.7% compounded continuously.
What is the 8 4 3 rule of compounding? ›
Summary. Learn about the 8-4-3 rule of compounding, where investments double within 8, 4, and 3 years, showcasing exponential growth. It emphasizes staying dedicated to investment plans, guarding against inflation, and adapting to market changes.
How many years does it take to double a $300 investment when interest rates are 8 percent per year? ›
The calculated value of the number of years required for $300 to become double in amount to $600 is option c. 9 years.
How to double $1,000 quickly? ›
Here's how to invest $1,000 and start growing your money today.
- Buy an S&P 500 index fund. ...
- Buy partial shares in 5 stocks. ...
- Put it in an IRA. ...
- Get a match in your 401(k) ...
- Have a robo-advisor invest for you. ...
- Pay down your credit card or other loan. ...
- Go super safe with a high-yield savings account. ...
- Build up a passive business.
How do I double my money fast? ›
The classic approach of doubling your money involves investing in a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds and is probably the one that applies to most investors. Investing to double your money can be done safely over several years but there's more of a risk of losing most or all of your money if you're impatient.
How to double $5,000 dollars quickly? ›
For a quick return on a $5,000 investment, consider options like stock trading, especially in high-growth sectors or investing in a diversified mutual fund. Short-term P2P lending can also be a way to see quicker returns, though it carries higher risk.
How to make $1000 in 24 hours? ›
Here are the ten most effective strategies to make $1,000 in 24 hours and increase your income:
- Sell Your Stuff.
- Freelance.
- Get a Side Hustle or Part-Time Job.
- Start a Blog.
- Start an E-Commerce Store.
- Invest in Real Estate.
- Set up Passive Income Streams.
- Make Money Online.