Table of Contents
The Excel NPV function is a tool used to calculate the net present value of a series of cash flows. It is commonly used in financial analysis to determine the profitability of an investment or project. To use the Excel NPV function, first enter the cash flows in a column or row within the Excel spreadsheet. Then, select the cell where you want the result to be displayed and enter the formula “=NPV(rate, values)”, where “rate” represents the discount rate and “values” refers to the range of cash flows. The function will then calculate the net present value and display it in the selected cell. It is important to note that the discount rate must be entered as a percentage and the first cash flow should not include the initial investment. By using the Excel NPV function, individuals can efficiently analyze the financial feasibility of potential investments and make informed decisions.
Excel NPV Function
NPV Function
The NPV function is used to calculate the Net Present Value (NPV)
It is typed =NPV
=NPV(rate, value1, value2, …)rate: The Discount rate.
value: The cells where the cash flows are.
How to Use NPV Excel Function
To calculate and find out whether an investment is positive in the future, use NPV.
Step 1) Type the rate value
The rate is the required Discount Rate that you want to use.
We will use 10% in this example.
- Select cell (
B9) - Type
10% - Hit enter
Ensure that you enter the value as percentage(%).

Step 2) Start the NPV function
- Select a cell (
E9) - Type
=NPV - Double click the NPV command

Follow along the tutorial by trying it yourself!
Copy the values in the example above and try it on your own!

Step 3) Add values to the function
Let us add the rate and the values from 1 to 10 to the function.
- Select cell (
B9) - Type
,or; - Select the range (
B2:K2) - Hit enter
Note: The different parts of the function are separated by a symbol, like comma , or semicolon ;
The symbol depends on your Language Settings.


Did you calculate 377,87?
Congratulations! you have just calculated the NPV for ten years using a discount rate of 10%
Cite this article
stats writer (2024). How do I use the Excel NPV function?. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Retrieved from https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-do-i-use-the-excel-npv-function/
stats writer. "How do I use the Excel NPV function?." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 29 Jun. 2024, https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-do-i-use-the-excel-npv-function/.
stats writer. "How do I use the Excel NPV function?." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 2024. https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-do-i-use-the-excel-npv-function/.
stats writer (2024) 'How do I use the Excel NPV function?', PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Available at: https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-do-i-use-the-excel-npv-function/.
[1] stats writer, "How do I use the Excel NPV function?," PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, vol. X, no. Y, ص Z-Z, June, 2024.
stats writer. How do I use the Excel NPV function?. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. 2024;vol(issue):pages.
