Summary

To calculate Net Present Value (NPV) you can use the NPV function. In the example shown, the formula in F6 is:

=NPV(F4,C6:C10)+C5

Generic formula

=NPV(rate,cashflows)-initialcost

Explanation 

Net Present Value (NPV) is the present value of expected future cash flows minus the initial cost of investment. The NPV function in Excel only calculates the present value of uneven cashflows, so the initial cost must be handled explicitly.

One way to calculate Net Present Value in Excel is to use NPV to get the present value of all expected cash flows, then subtract the initial investment. This is the approach taken in the example shown, where the formula in F6 is:

=NPV(F4,C6:C10)+C5

The NPV function returns 50962.91. The initial investment (-50,000, recorded as a negative value because it is an outflow) is then added, and the final result is 962.91.

Related functions

Excel NPV function

NPV Function

The Excel NPV function is a financial function that calculates the net present value (NPV) of an investment using a discount rate and a series of future cash flows.
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Dave Bruns

Hi - I'm Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.

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