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

When a property owner defaults on his or her tax payments, the taxing jurisdiction may force a liquidation of the property or tax sale for the purpose of collecting the owed real estate ...

(1) Bracket used to support an extended eave or cornice on the outside of a house. (2) Truss or beam projection beyond its base and supported by its strength and rigidity, such as a ...

Main street having a divider either in the center or between the curb and sidewalk with trees, grass, or other shrubbery. ...

Any financing agreement excluding a conventional mortgage from a third-person or entity lending institution. This type of financing is more prevalent when the price of real estate is too ...

There’s a time when it’s neither a Buyer’s Market nor a Seller’s Market. We call it “Renter’s Market”. It’s that time where, despite ...

Legal mechanism available for a person who is over his head financially and is unable to meet his financial obligations. ...

The definition of in rem in real estate is a legal case against a property rather than a person. The legal application of in rem in real estate is most often seen when a homeowner defaults ...

CE Shop has become a widely used and popular term in real estate. But what does it mean? “CE” stands for continuing education, and in the real estate business, it implies a ...

In land surveying, the point al which two properties intersect constituting a boundary line between the properties. A corner can be determined by either a survey or general agreement ...

Popular Real Estate Questions