Skip to main content

Rule of 72 Calculator

Calculate how long it takes for an investment to double using the Rule of 72. Compare doubling times across different interest rates.

Input

%

Results

Doubling Time (Rule of 72)
12.00
years
Exact Doubling Time
11.90
years
Difference
0.10
years (+0.88%)
Doubled Amount
2,000,000
$

Rule of 72: 72 / 6% = 12.00 years

Exact calculation: ln(2) / ln(1 + 6%) = 11.90 years

Asset Growth Chart

0565k1.1M1.7M2.3M03681114Doubling LineYearsAmount

Rate Comparison Table

RateRule of 72Exact ValueDifference
1%72.00 years69.66 years+2.34
2%36.00 years35.00 years+1.00
3%24.00 years23.45 years+0.55
4%18.00 years17.67 years+0.33
5%14.40 years14.21 years+0.19
6%12.00 years11.90 years+0.10
7%10.29 years10.24 years+0.04
8%9.00 years9.01 years-0.01
9%8.00 years8.04 years-0.04
10%7.20 years7.27 years-0.07
12%6.00 years6.12 years-0.12
15%4.80 years4.96 years-0.16
18%4.00 years4.19 years-0.19
20%3.60 years3.80 years-0.20
24%3.00 years3.22 years-0.22

* The Rule of 72 is an approximation. It is more accurate at lower interest rates.

Share this tool
📖

How to Use

Step 1

Enter Rate

Enter Rate

Enter annual interest rate (%)

Step 2

Calculate

Calculate

Doubling time is calculated

Step 3

View Result

View Result

Check approximate and exact results

Features

Instant Calculation

Show result instantly from rate input

Exact Comparison

Compare Rule of 72 estimate with exact compound calculation

Reverse Calculation

Reverse-calculate required rate from target years

FAQ

Divide 72 by annual rate to get approximate years to double an investment.