Besides lump-sums, the RATE function can also give the returns for regular, periodic investments such as mutual fund SIPs. It can even be used to find the interest rate that you pay on loans. In essence, it helps you arrive at the CAGR (compounded annual growth rate) of investments. (View Highlight)
You can use the FV function—short for future value—to calculate this value instantly. It can also be used to find the maturity value in periodic investments like mutual fund SIPs and recurring deposits.
One point to note, however, is that it is only useful when it comes to calculating cumulative investments. Not for those where payouts happen regularly. (View Highlight)
Say you want Rs 2 lakh (US2,400)afterfiveyears.Togetthere,youplantoinvestalump−suminacumulativedepositoffering81,640).
Playing around with the compound interest formula will get you there eventually. But you can just use the PV function—short for present value. (View Highlight)
PMT function—which stands for payment. It can also be used to find out the monthly payments you need to be making into recurring deposits or mutual fund SIPs to get to your desired corpus in time. (View Highlight)
You can use the NPER function to arrive at this figure. NPER is short for Number of Periods.
This function can also help find the quantum of time in which regular, constant investments—such as recurring deposits or mutual fund SIPs—would grow to your desired corpus at a particular rate of return. (View Highlight)
Note: Can also be used for an investment with a one-time payment 
