TVM Solver (PV, FV, PMT)
Choose what to solve for, then enter the other known values - rate per period, number of periods, and the known amounts.
Last updated: September 5, 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is a TVM (time value of money) solver?
A calculator that solves any one of the core time-value-of-money variables (present value, future value, or payment) given the others, using standard annuity formulas - the same math behind loan payments, savings growth, and annuities.
Why is my payment negative in the example?
This tool uses the standard financial sign convention: money you pay out (like a monthly contribution) is negative, and money you receive is positive. Flip the signs to match your actual scenario - for example, use a positive PMT if you're receiving regular payments instead of making them.
How is this related to the Savings Calculator and Loan Calculator?
Same underlying math - the Savings Calculator solves specifically for future value with a starting balance and contributions, and the Loan Calculator solves specifically for payment on a loan with no future value. This tool generalizes both so you can solve for any of the three.
What rate should I enter?
Enter the rate per period, not the annual rate - if you're compounding monthly and have a 6% annual rate, enter 0.5 (6 ÷ 12) as the rate per period, and set periods in months to match.
Can this calculator solve for the number of periods or the interest rate instead?
This version solves for present value, future value, or payment given the other inputs - it's not built to solve for rate or number of periods, which typically require iterative (trial-and-error) methods rather than a direct formula.
What happens if I leave PV at zero and solve for FV?
With PV set to 0, the future value comes entirely from the payment stream compounding over time - for example, PMT of -200 per month at a 0.5% monthly rate for 120 periods, with PV of 0, yields an FV of roughly $32,700, matching a standard savings annuity calculation.
Is this the same as an 'annuity calculator'?
Very similar - an annuity calculator usually solves for one of these same values (future value, payment, or present value) for a stream of equal periodic payments, which is exactly the calculation this TVM solver performs.