Net Present Value (NPV) Cash Flow Calculator
Net present value (NPV) helps you decide whether a project or investment is worth pursuing by discounting future cash flows back to today's dollars. Enter your initial investment, a discount rate, and up to five years of projected cash flows to see the NPV instantly.
About this calculator
Calculate the net present value of a series of uneven, user-entered cash flows using a custom discount rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a positive NPV mean?
A positive NPV means the projected cash flows, discounted back to today, exceed the initial investment — suggesting the project or investment is likely to add value.
What discount rate should I use?
Use your required rate of return, cost of capital, or a benchmark like your expected investment return, typically 5-15% for most personal or business projects.
Can I use this for fewer than 5 years?
Yes, simply enter 0 for any years beyond your projection period and they won't affect the result.