Last updated: March 2, 2026 by Dr. David Park

What Is Net Present Value?

Formula

NPV calculates the difference between the present value of cash inflows and outflows over a period of time.

A positive NPV means the investment is expected to generate value above the required return.

Common use cases:

  • Evaluating capital projects
  • Comparing investment alternatives
  • Business investment decisions

Frequently Asked Questions

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Dr. David Park

Applied Mathematician, PhD Mathematics

David holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from MIT. He has published research on numerical methods and computational algorithms used in engineering and scientific calculators.

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