PV Function (LibreOffice Calc)
Learn the PV function in LibreOffice Calc: Present value. Calculates the present value of an investment.
The PV function in LibreOffice Calc is used for this task: Present value. Calculates the present value of an investment. Discount a series of future equal payments to present value.
This guide explains how to read the formula, reproduce a concrete example, interpret its result and recognize common input mistakes.
Syntax and arguments
PV(rate; nper; pmt; [fv]; [type])
| Argument | Required? | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
Rate |
Yes | The rate of interest for the period given. |
NPER |
Yes | The payment period. The total number of periods in which the annuity is paid. |
PMT |
Yes | Regular payments. The constant amount of annuity that is paid in each period. |
FV |
Optional | Future value. The value (final value) to be attained after the last payment. |
Type |
Optional | Type = 1 denotes due at the beginning of the period, = 0 at the end. |
Calc formulas normally use semicolons (;) between arguments in common configurations; the displayed separator may depend on settings or locale.
Worked example
=ROUND(PV(0.05;3;-100);2)
Expected result: 272.32.
Why it works: Discount a series of future equal payments to present value. For decimal results, display formatting can change how many digits appear without changing the underlying number.
How to use it in your own spreadsheet
- Identify the cells or inputs that correspond to the sample values above.
- Enter the formula in an empty cell, changing the references or literal values to match your sheet.
- Compare the output with a manual check on a small known example.
- 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.
Related functions
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.