The Present Value Excel function (PV) is a Financial formula that calculates and returns the present value of a loan or an investment based on constant payments, and interest rate. In this guide, we’re going to show you how to use the Present Value Excel function (PV) and also go over some tips and error handling methods.
Supported versions
- All Excel versions
Present Value Excel Function (PV) Syntax
Arguments
| rate | The interest rate for the loan. |
| nper | The total number of payments for the loan. |
| pmt | The constant payments for the loan. |
| [fv] | Optional. The future value, or a cash balance you want after the last payment is made. The default value is 0 (zero). |
| [type] |
Optional. When payments are due. 0 = end of period. (Default) 1 = beginning of period. |
Examples
Without future value and due date type
The present value Excel (PV) function has 3 required arguments: rate, nper and pmt. Using these arguments, you can calculate the present value of a loan based on constant payments. The function assumes that payments are made at the end of each period, and the loan is to be paid in full.
For example, the formula below calculates the present value of a loan with monthly payments of $3,000 for 36 months with a 6% annual interest.
With future value and due date type
You can specify a target cash balance for after the last payment is made, and whether payments are to be made at the beginning of each period or the end.
The following formula is the extended version of the first example. It calculates same payment amount for the same period amount with the same interest rate. The difference is that there is $50,000 left after the last payment, and payments are made at the beginning of each period.
