How to use Cash Flow Valuation Calculator
Choose a cash-flow mode, enter the amounts and timing, then select Calculate. The result shows present value (NPV at t=0), future value at a horizon, and an annualized IRR when the scan finds one candidate rate. It also lists the timeline, signed cash flows, discount factors, and present value for each row.
- Select One-time cash flow, Recurring cash flows, or Dated cash flows (custom schedule).
- Complete the fields for that mode, then enter Annual rate (%).
- Choose a Compounding convention. Enter Future value horizon (years, optional) when the valuation point should differ from the default.
- Select Calculate. Select Copy result or Download result (.txt) to save the output. Select Reset to clear the form.
Present value, NPV, and future value inputs
Enter inflows as positive amounts and outflows as negative amounts. Enter Initial investment ($, optional) as a positive amount; the calculator records it as a negative outflow at t=0. Compounding convention has five choices: Annual, Semiannual, Quarterly, Monthly, and Continuous.
Initial investment ($, optional): 10000
Cash flow amount ($): 15000
Timing (years from now): 5
Annual rate (%): 0
Compounding convention: Annual
Present value (NPV at t=0): $5,000.00
Future value at t=5.00 years: $5,000.00
IRR (annualized): 8.447%Leave Future value horizon (years, optional) blank to use the greatest cash-flow time, with zero as the floor, or enter zero or a positive number. The result includes a Timeline and Cash-flow table with Label, Time (years), Amount (sign convention), Discount factor, and Present value.
Recurring and dated cash flow schedules
For recurring cash flows, enter Cash flow per period ($), Number of periods, and Period length (years). Ordinary annuity (end of each period) places the first payment after one period. Annuity due (start of each period) places it at time zero. For a dated schedule, enter Valuation date, select Add cash flow, and fill Date, Label (optional), and Amount ($).
- Initial investment ($, optional) must be blank or a number of zero or above.
- Recurring cash flows need at least one period and a period length greater than zero.
- Dated cash flows need a valid valuation date and at least two populated rows with valid dates and numeric amounts.
- Dates before the valuation date are accepted and receive negative times.
When the IRR result is unavailable
IRR needs at least one negative and one positive cash flow. If every value has the same sign, the result has no solution. Several sign changes can produce multiple candidate rates, so the result can say that IRR is not unique. The calculator scans the range -99.99% to 10,000% for NPV sign changes and reports the roots it finds.
Cash flow schedules in practice
Use One-time cash flow for an initial investment and a later amount. Use Recurring cash flows when the same amount repeats by period. For uneven dates, enter each payment or receipt in Dated cash flows (custom schedule).
The result text keeps the timeline and discount factors together. Select Copy result or Download result (.txt) when you need to check the calculation in a spreadsheet.
The calculation runs in browser JavaScript. The page script makes no request carrying the entered cash flows. The rate comes from Annual rate (%); the calculator does not estimate a market rate or value a specific security.
When another financial calculator fits better
Use the NPV Calculator for a dated series when NPV is the only result needed. Use the IRR Calculator for IRR timing and Actual/365 results. For a lump sum plus regular contributions, use the Future Value Calculator. Other loan, pay, debt, investing, housing, and savings tasks are listed in Financial Calculators.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use Cash Flow Valuation Calculator?
Select a cash-flow mode, enter the schedule and Annual rate (%), choose Compounding convention, then select Calculate. The result shows present value, future value, and IRR when one candidate rate is found.
How do I calculate NPV from cash flows?
Enter each inflow and outflow with its time, supply Annual rate (%), and select Calculate. Present value (NPV at t=0) is the discounted total for the entered stream.
Why does the IRR result say no solution?
The cash-flow stream needs at least one negative outflow and one positive inflow. A stream with one sign has no IRR solution, while multiple sign changes can make IRR not unique.
Does Cash Flow Valuation Calculator estimate the discount rate?
The calculator uses the Annual rate (%) you enter. It calculates the stream from that rate and does not estimate a discount rate or market rate.