How to use the RATE Function (WS,VBA)

Description

The Microsoft Excel RATE function returns the interest rate for an annuity.

Syntax

The syntax for the RATE function in Microsoft Excel is:

RATE( number_payments, payment, PV, [FV], [Type], [Estimate] )

Parameters or Arguments

number_payments

The number of payments for the annuity.

payment

The amount of the payment made each period.

PV

It is the present value.

FV

Optional. It is the future value. If this parameter is omitted, it assumes a FV value of 0.

Type

Optional. It indicates when the payments are due. If the Type parameter is omitted, it assumes a Type value of 0. Type can be one of the following values:

Value	Explanation
0	Payments are due at the end of the period. (default)
1	Payments are due at the beginning of the period.

Estimate

Optional. It is your guess at what the rate will be. If this parameter is omitted, it assumes an Estimate of 10%.

Applies To

• Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Excel 2011 for Mac, Excel 2010, Excel 2007, Excel 2003, Excel XP, Excel 2000

Type of Function

• Worksheet function (WS)
• VBA function (VBA)

Example (as Worksheet Function)

Let's look at some RATE examples and explore how to use the RATE function as a worksheet function in Microsoft Excel:

This first example returns the interest rate on a $5,000 loan where monthly payments of $250 are made for 2 years. All payments are made at the end of the period.

=RATE(2*12, -250, 5000)
Result: 2%

This next example returns the interest rate on a $5,000 loan where monthly payments of $250 are made for 2 years. All payments are made at the beginning of the period.

=RATE(2*12, -250, 5000, , 1)
Result: 2%

This next example returns the interest rate on a $8,000 loan where weekly payments of $700 are made for 4 years. All payments are made at the end of the period.

=RATE(4*52, -700, 8000, , 0)
Result: 9%

This final example returns the interest rate on a $6,500 loan where annual payments of $1,000 are made for 10 years. All payments are made at the end of the period.

=RATE(10*1, -1000, 6500)
Result: 9%

Example (as VBA Function)

The RATE function can also be used in VBA code in Microsoft Excel.

Let's look at some Excel RATE function examples and explore how to use the RATE function in Excel VBA code:

Dim LValue As Double

LValue = Rate(10*1, -1000, 6500)

In this example, the variable called LValue would now contain the value of 0.087113756.