Present Value

The present value of money is how much a future amount is worth now. Suppose you want to have $1000 in 10 years. That money has a present value that is much less that $1000 because it will grow to $1000 over those 10 years.

P = F / (1+r)t

The present value of money is equal to the future value divided by the interest rate plus 1 raised to the t power, where t is the number of months, years, etc.

Here's an example to make it more clear: Bob wants to save $20,000 to buy a new car in 4 years. He knows he can invest the money in a Certificate of Deposit earning 6% annually. To find out how much he needs today in order for it to grow to $20,000, he uses the present value formula:

P = F / (1+.06)4 = $15,841.90

If he saves that much money today at 6% interest, it will grow to the $20,000 in 4 years.