Payback Period Calculator
Finance & InvestmentStatic and discounted payback with NPV reference
Payback Period Calculator: Static and discounted payback with NPV reference. Payback Period Calculator uses standard finance formulas to compute accurate results instantly.
Static payback
3.3 yrs
ignores time value
Discounted payback
4.0 yrs
at 8% discount rate
Year-by-year cumulative
| Year | Cash flow | Cumulative | Discounted cum. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | -500,000 | -500,000 | -500,000 |
| 1 | +150,000 | -350,000 | -361,111 |
| 2 | +150,000 | -200,000 | -232,510 |
| 3 | +150,000 | -50,000 | -113,435 |
| 4 ← | +150,000 | 100,000 | -3,181 |
| 5 | +150,000 | 250,000 | 98,907 |
| 6 | +150,000 | 400,000 | 193,432 |
| 7 | +150,000 | 550,000 | 280,956 |
| 8 | +150,000 | 700,000 | 361,996 |
| 9 | +150,000 | 850,000 | 437,033 |
| 10 | +150,000 | 1,000,000 | 506,512 |
Steps
- 1Static payback = 500,000 ÷ 150,000 = 3.33 years
- 2Discounted: cumulative PV crosses 0 in year 5 → 4.03 years
- 3NPV = Σ CF/(1+8%)ᵗ − 500,000 = ¥506,512
💡 Rule of thumb: payback under 5 years is attractive for small business; VCs want under 3. Static payback ignores the time value of money — the discounted version is always longer. Payback measures RISK (how fast you get money back), not profitability; pair it with NPV/IRR for the full picture.
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How to Use
- Enter amounts and terms: fill principal, rate and period in the Payback Period Calculator (defaults work for a quick try).
- Instant results: key figures and cost breakdown update live as you type.
- Compare scenarios: tweak any parameter to compare costs and returns across plans.
- Copy key numbers: one-click copy for records or sharing with your advisor.
Key Points
- Payback Period Calculator is a free online finance tool — open and use, no sign-up.
- All calculations run locally in your browser; your data never leaves the device.
- Key capability: Static and discounted payback with NPV reference.
- Results come with formulas and reference tables so you can verify every number.
Formula & How It Works
Payback Period Calculator formula
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Source & Updates
Based on published rate tables and standard financial formulas. Last updated: 2025-07
Authoritative sources:
Last updated:
Formulas and content on this page are reviewed by the YiJianSuan team. For reference only — official sources prevail.
Maintained and periodically reviewed by the YiJianSuan editorial team — review process in ourEditorial Policy.
Cite this page: YiJianSuan. Payback Period Calculator[EB/OL]. https://www.yijiansuan.com/en/c/finance/payback
Results provided by this tool are for reference only and do not constitute professional advice.