What is Bond Calculator?
Computes the internal rate of return (YTM) of a bond purchased at market price and held to maturity.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter par face value (typically $1,000).
- Enter current market purchase price.
- Enter annual coupon percentage.
- View Yield to Maturity and current yield.
The Mathematical Formula & Variables
Approx YTM = [Coupon + (Face - Price)/n] / [(Face + Price)/2]
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Scenario: $1,000 par bond bought for $950 with 5% coupon and 10 years to maturity.
- Annual coupon C = $50.
- Capital gain per year = ($1,000 - $950) / 10 = $5.
- Average bond value = ($1,000 + $950) / 2 = $975.
- YTM ≈ (50 + 5) / 975 = 55 / 975 = 5.64% (Exact = 5.67%).
Result: 5.67% YTM
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to bond prices when market interest rates rise?
Bond prices and interest rates move in opposite directions. When market rates rise, existing bonds drop in price below par (trading at a discount).