Rule of 70 Vs. Rule of 72: Definition, How They Work, and Example (2024)

The rule of 70 and the rule of 72 give rough estimates of the number of years it would take for a certain variable to double. When using the rule of 70, the number 70 is used in the calculation. Likewise, when using the rule of 72, the number 72 is used in the calculation.

The Rule of 70

The rule of 70 is used to determine the number of years it takes for a variable to double by dividing the number 70 by the variable's growth rate. The rule of 70 is generally used to determine how long it would take for an investment to double given the annual rate of return.

For example, assume an investor invests $10,000 at a 10% fixed annual interest rate. He wants to estimate the number of years it would take for his investment to grow to $20,000. He uses the rule of 70 and determines it would take approximately seven (70/10) years for his investment to double.

The Rule of 72

The rule of 72 is a simple method to determine the amount of time investment would take to double, given a fixed annual interest rate. To use the rule of 72, divide 72 by the annual rate of return.

For example, assume an investor invests $20,000 at a 10% fixed annual interest rate. He wants to estimate the number of years it would take for his investment to double. Instead of using the rule of 70, he uses the rule of 72 and determines it would take approximately 7.2 (72/10) years for his investment to double.

Rule of 70 Vs. Rule of 72: Definition, How They Work, and Example (2024)

FAQs

What is the rule of 70 and how does it work use an example? ›

The Rule of 70 Formula

Hence, the doubling time is simply 70 divided by the constant annual growth rate. For instance, consider a quantity that grows consistently at 5% annually. According to the Rule of 70, it will take 14 years (70/5) for the quantity to double.

What is the rule of 70 and the rule of 72? ›

The rule of 70 and the rule of 72 give rough estimates of the number of years it would take for a certain variable to double. When using the rule of 70, the number 70 is used in the calculation. Likewise, when using the rule of 72, the number 72 is used in the calculation.

What is the rule of 72 with example? ›

The Rule of 72 is a calculation that estimates the number of years it takes to double your money at a specified rate of return. If, for example, your account earns 4 percent, divide 72 by 4 to get the number of years it will take for your money to double. In this case, 18 years.

Does the rule of 70 work? ›

The Rule of 70 helps investors determine the future value of an investment. Although considered a rough estimate, the rule provides the years it takes for an investment to double. The Rule of 70 is an accepted way to manage exponential growth concepts without complex mathematical procedures.

What is an example of the 70% rule? ›

‍To give a better sense of what this means in practicality, we thought it would help to run through an example: A properties ARV is $200,000 and it needs an estimated $30,000 in repairs. The 70% rule states on this occasion, that an investor should pay $110,000. ($200,000 x 70%) – $30,000 = $110,000.

How do you use the 70% rule? ›

Put simply, the 70 percent rule states that you shouldn't buy a distressed property for more than 70 percent of the home's after-repair value (ARV) — in other words, how much the house will likely sell for once fixed — minus the cost of repairs.

Why does Rule 72 work? ›

The value 72 is a convenient choice of numerator, since it has many small divisors: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 12. It provides a good approximation for annual compounding, and for compounding at typical rates (from 6% to 10%); the approximations are less accurate at higher interest rates.

What are three things the Rule of 72 can determine? ›

dividing 72 by the interest rate will show you how long it will take your money to double. How many years it takes an invesment to double, How many years it takes debt to double, The interest rate must earn to double in a time frame, How many times debt or money will double in a period of time.

Can I double my money in 5 years? ›

As a rate of return, long-term mutual funds can offer rates between 12% and 15% per year. With these mutual funds, it may take between 5 and 6 years to double your money.

What does the rule of 70 show us? ›

What's the “rule of 70?” The rule of 70 is an easy method of estimating how quickly a variable will double if you know its annual growth rate. If a variable is growing at a rate of x% per period, you simply take 70 and divide it by x. The rule of 70 is useful for all sorts of applications.

What is the 70 in the rule of 70? ›

In the rule of 70, the “70” represents the dividend or the divisible number in the formula. Divide your growth rate by 70 to determine the amount of time it will take for your investment to double. For example, if your mutual fund has a three percent growth rate, divide 70 by three.

What is the rule of 70 is an easy way to estimate? ›

The rule of 70 approximates how long it will take for the size of an economy to double. The number of years it takes for a country's economy to double in size is equal to 70 divided by the growth rate, in percent.

What is the rule of 70 population example? ›

Explanation of the Rule of 70

The formula is as follows: Take the number 70 and divide it by the growth rate. The result is the number of years required to double. For example, if your population is growing at 2%, divide 70 by 2. The result is 35; it will take 35 years for your population to double at a 2% growth rate.

How does the rule of 70 work for retirement? ›

The 70% rule for retirement savings can help you estimate the amount of income you may need in retirement. It says you'll need 70% of your pre-retirement, post-tax income to retire comfortably.

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