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Payback Period Calculator

Calculate the payback period for an investment to determine how long it will take to recover the initial cost. A simple way to assess investment risk.

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Understanding the Payback Period Calculator

The Payback Period Calculator is a simple capital budgeting tool used by businesses to determine how long it will take for an investment or project to generate enough cash flow to recover its initial cost. It's a quick way to assess the risk and liquidity of an investment: the shorter the payback period, the less risky the investment is generally considered to be.

How to Use the Calculator

To calculate the payback period, you need two primary inputs:

  • Initial Investment: The total upfront cost of the project or investment.
  • Annual Cash Flow: The consistent amount of cash the investment is expected to generate each year.

The calculator then determines the time it takes for the cumulative cash flow to equal the initial investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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