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NPV Function (LibreOffice Calc)

Financial Intermediate LibreOffice Calc

Learn the NPV function in LibreOffice Calc: Net present value. Calculates the net present value of an investment based on a series of periodic payments.

The NPV function in LibreOffice Calc is used for this task: Net present value. Calculates the net present value of an investment based on a series of periodic payments and a discount rate. Discount future cash flows at a ten-percent rate; exclude initial investment.

This guide explains how to read the formula, reproduce a concrete example, interpret its result and recognize common input mistakes.

Syntax and arguments

NPV(rate; value)
Argument Required? Meaning
Rate Yes The rate of discount for one period.
Value Yes Value 1, value 2,… are arguments representing payments and income.

Calc formulas normally use semicolons (;) between arguments in common configurations; the displayed separator may depend on settings or locale.

Worked example

=NPV(0.1;100;100)

Expected result: 173.55372.

Why it works: Discount future cash flows at a ten-percent rate; exclude initial investment. For decimal results, display formatting can change how many digits appear without changing the underlying number.

How to use it in your own spreadsheet

  1. Identify the cells or inputs that correspond to the sample values above.
  2. Enter the formula in an empty cell, changing the references or literal values to match your sheet.
  3. Compare the output with a manual check on a small known example.
  4. Extend the formula to a larger dataset only after you understand the result.

Common problems and practical checks

  • Confirm that the data represents the intended sample, population, rate or cash-flow timing.
  • Keep units and percentage conventions consistent; a mathematically valid result can still answer the wrong question.
  • A pasted formula may produce an error when it uses the other program’s argument separator or unsupported options.

FV PV IRR PMT SLN.

Documentation and verification

  • LibreOffice Calc Help
  • The standalone example was calculated using LibreOffice Calc 25.2.3.2 on October 9, 2026 and its computed result matched the expected value. This does not certify every option, version, or other example.