The calculation, without hidden assumptions
Net present value is most useful when the entire cash-flow stream stays visible. Paste the time-zero amount followed by one cash flow per period, enter a discount rate per period, and MAXScanner discounts each row separately. The table makes it easy to find the period that drives the result instead of treating NPV as a black box.
How to use this calculator
Enter the discount rate for the same period spacing used by your cash-flow list.
Paste cash flows starting with period 0; separate values with commas, semicolons or new lines and use negative values for modeled outflows.
Inspect the present-value table as well as the final NPV so the timing assumptions remain auditable.
Where people use it
- •Project cash-flow modeling
- •Checking a spreadsheet NPV calculation
- •Teaching discounted cash-flow mechanics
Example: -10,000 now followed by five yearly cash flows
With a 5% annual discount rate, each future amount is divided by 1.05 raised to its year number. The initial -10,000 remains at full value because it occurs at period 0.
What the result does not assume
- •The discount rate is an assumption and must use the same time unit as the spacing of the cash-flow entries.
- •NPV is a mathematical output from entered cash flows and rate; it does not validate the forecasts, risk assumptions or suitability of a project.
Frequently asked questions
Should the initial investment be negative?+
If you are modeling it as a cash outflow, enter it as a negative time-zero cash flow.
Can later cash flows also be negative?+
Yes. The list can contain positive and negative amounts in any period.
Is the discount rate annual?+
Only if each cash-flow step represents one year. If the list is monthly, the entered rate must be a monthly rate.
Semantic next steps
Continue the calculation
These links move to a different input, formula or project stage rather than a keyword variation of this page.
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Keep the result connected to the real job
MAXScanner keeps the formula and assumptions beside the result so you can verify the number before using it in a drawing, estimate, specification, worksheet or document. Where a supplier, manufacturer, drawing or applicable standard owns a requirement, that source remains authoritative.