NPV Function in Excel: Syntax, Examples & Practice
Learn the Excel NPV function: Returns net present value of an investment based on periodic cash flows. Try focused practice and download a free workbook.
Syntax
=NPV(rate, value1, [value2], …)
Check the function documentation for your Excel version and platform. The browser simulator implements selected behavior and does not reproduce every Excel feature.
Worked example
| Row | A: Period | B: Cash flow |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0 | -100000 |
| 3 | 1 | 30000 |
| 4 | 2 | 35000 |
| 5 | 3 | 40000 |
| 6 | 4 | 45000 |
| 7 | 5 | 50000 |
=NPV(10%,B3:B7)+B2
Expected result: 48032.61
These cash flows are the actual inputs for NPV. The formula references the visible cash-flow range so the displayed result can be independently reconciled.
Professional use
Investment and project evaluation.
Practice NPV · Download practice .xlsx
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Questions and answers
How can I practise NPV?
Use the focused ten-question NPV lab, then download its workbook for ten additional function-specific tasks and an answer key. Core learning works without an account.
Which Excel version supports NPV?
Check the function documentation for your Excel version and platform. The browser simulator implements selected behavior and does not reproduce every Excel feature.
Does the browser simulator replace Microsoft Excel?
No. It supports a selected set of formula behavior for practice. Native workbook recalculation, full function compatibility, PivotTables and external data features must be checked in your own Excel installation.
Interactive practice runs in your browser.