RATE function: Description, Usage, Syntax, Examples and Explanation

Syntax of RATE function

RATE(nper, pmt, pv, [fv], [type], [guess])

The RATE function syntax has the following arguments:

• Nper: The total number of payment periods in an annuity.
• Pmt: The payment made each period and cannot change over the life of the annuity. Typically, pmt includes principal and interest but no other fees or taxes. If pmt is omitted, you must include the fv argument.
• Pv: The present value — the total amount that a series of future payments is worth now.
• Fv (Optional): The future value, or a cash balance you want to attain after the last payment is made. If fv is omitted, it is assumed to be 0 (the future value of a loan, for example, is 0). If fv is omitted, you must include the pmt argument.
• Type (Optional): The number 0 or 1 and indicates when payments are due.

• Guess    Optional. Your guess for what the rate will be.
  • If you omit guess, it is assumed to be 10 percent.
  • If RATE does not converge, try different values for guess. RATE usually converges if guess is between 0 and 1.

RATE formula explanation

Make sure that you are consistent about the units you use for specifying guess and nper. If you make monthly payments on a four-year loan at 12 percent annual interest, use 12%/12 for guess and 4*12 for nper. If you make annual payments on the same loan, use 12% for guess and 4 for nper.

Example of RATE function

Steps to follow:

1. Open a new Excel worksheet.

2. Copy data in the following table below and paste it in cell A1

Note: For formulas to show results, select them, press F2 key on your keyboard and then press Enter.

You can adjust the column widths to see all the data, if need be.

For more information about annuity functions, visit:

• How to calculate Net Present Value (NPV)
• PMT, RATE, NPER, PV and FV Calculations
• Calculate payment periods for loan
• Calculate interest rate for loan
• Calculate periods for annuity