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Rule of 72 Calculator

Enter your annual rate of return and see exactly how long it takes your investment to double — plus a comparison across every common account type.

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Enter a rate above to see your doubling time instantly.

Formula: 72 ÷ rate = years to double

How the Rule of 72 works

1

Divide 72 by your annual interest rate. The result is approximately how many years it takes to double your money at that rate, assuming compound interest.

2

Example: At 8% annual return, 72 ÷ 8 = 9 years to double. At 6%, it takes 12 years. At 12%, just 6 years. The math is simple — the implications are profound.

3

The rule also works in reverse on debt. A credit card at 24% doubles what you owe in 3 years. That's why eliminating high-interest debt is almost always the highest-return financial move available to you.

How common rates compare

The same $10,000 invested at different rates — see how dramatically the doubling time changes.

High-yield savings
Liquid, FDIC-insured
4.5%
16.0 yrs
$10k → $20,000
10-yr Treasury bond
Safe, inflation risk
4.8%
15.0 yrs
$10k → $20,000
Balanced fund (60/40)
Moderate risk
7%
10.3 yrs
$10k → $20,000
S&P 500 index fund
Historical avg, volatile
10%
7.2 yrs
$10k → $20,000
Credit card debt
Paying this off beats investing
22%
3.3 yrs
$10k → $20,000
Personal loan
High priority to eliminate
18%
4.0 yrs
$10k → $20,000

Want the full explanation?

Understand the formula, see real-world examples across every account type, and learn where the rule breaks down.

Read the Rule of 72 article →

Go deeper

Know your full financial picture

The Rule of 72 is one lens. The Cube Wealth Readiness Engine™ evaluates your complete financial situation across 6 pillars — and maps exactly what to do next.

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