Definition of "Annuity factor"

The annuity factor definition is the use of a financial method that shows the value, present or future, of an amount when it is multiplied by a periodic amount. The calculation of an annuity factor requires the number of years involved, or the periodic amount, and the percentage rate applicable. The most often used for annuity factors are investments with either or both an annual payment or return. Typical examples of annuity factors being applied are savings accounts, certain types of insurances, or retirement savings plans.

The annuity factor meaning is a particular type of accumulating discount factor used to determine the present or future value of annuities, as well as equated installments. Another name for annuity factors is the annuity formula, and we’ll get into that momentarily.

The Present Value Annuity Factor

The present value annuity factor allows you to determine the amount of money required at the present time in order to result in a future series of payments assuming a fixed interest rate is applied.

In order to reach the present value annuity factor, a formula is used that discounts a future value amount to the present value amount through the use of the applicable interest rate. The period of time during which the investment will last is also taken into account to reach the correct value.

The Present Value Annuity Formula

Annuity factor formula

With:

C=cash flow per period

i = interest rate

n = number of payments

The Future Value Annuity Factor

The future value annuity factor gives access to the final return value of a series of regular investments taking into account their worth at a future time, usually at the end of the investing period, assuming that a fixed interest rate is applied.

To reach the future value annuity factor, the formula above is slightly altered in order to add the values collected over the years by also accounting for the set interest rate.

The Future Value Annuity Factor

Annuity factor formula 1

With:

C=cash flow per period

i = interest rate

n = number of payments

Applying the Annuity Factor formulas:

Considering an investment with an annual $2,000 payment over the course of five years at an interest rate of 5%, let’s see what the present and future value would be.

Annuity factor formula 3

 Annuity factor formula 4


The previous formulas can help you determine the present and future values of ordinary annuities. While the math might seem complicated, there are financial calculators online that can help you out with the correct inputs and data.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Legal order for a person to present at a deposition or trial documents in his possession, such as related to a real estate transaction. ...

When a real estate owner wants to know what their property tax liability is, they calculate the assessment ratio for their property. An assessment ration is a relationship between a real ...

Removing a debt by making full payment. A mortgage discharge is a document formally specifying that a mortgage debt have been paid. It is typically recorded in a local property deeds ...

An increase in the income tax basis of a property that is a result of a tax-free exchange. As a result of an inheritance, for example, the basis of the inherited property was stepped up to ...

City apartment building that is overcrowded, poorly constructed or maintained, and generally part of a slum. In law, a tenement also refers to possessions of an individual that are ...

The meaning of a development impact fee or impact fee defines a one-time cost the local government imposes on a brand new or planned development project (regularly on a property developer.) ...

Limited period of time granted by state law to an individual who has had his or her property foreclosed on and sold to regain possession of the property by repaying the debt that was ...

New cost less accumulated depreciation to date. ...

The meaning of the term tort outlines a wrongful act resulting in injury or damages. For example, trespassing on someone’s private property can end up destroying a part of it. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions