Calculator inputs
Example data table
| Period | Cash flow | Meaning | Suggested use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,200 | Early benefit | First year saving or income |
| 2 | $850 | Temporary dip | Lower production or higher maintenance |
| 3 | $1,400 | Recovery year | Improved output or contract increase |
| 4 | $1,000 | Uneven value | Normal operating variation |
| 5 | $1,650 | Terminal base | Used before infinite continuation |
Formula used
Listed cash flow present value: PV = Σ CFt × (1 - tax) / (1 + r)^t.
Growing infinite continuation: Terminal Value at n = CF(n+1) / (r - g), then PV terminal = Terminal Value / (1 + r)^n.
Repeating uneven cycle: PV∞ = PV cycle / [1 - ((1 + g)^m / (1 + r)^m)].
Net present value: NPV = PV of all future flows - initial outlay.
Here, r is the periodic discount rate, g is periodic growth, m is cycle length, and n is the last listed period.
How to use this calculator
- Enter each uneven cash flow on its own line.
- Use the format
period, amountfor accurate timing. - Add the annual discount rate and terminal growth rate.
- Select the infinite stream model that matches your case.
- Add taxes, inflation, timing, and initial cost if needed.
- Press calculate and review the result section above the form.
- Download CSV or PDF files for records and reporting.
About infinite uneven cash flow streams
What This Calculator Measures
An infinite uneven cash flow stream is a long series of irregular payments that continues beyond the visible forecast. The first years may rise, fall, or include gaps. Later years are handled by a continuing value. This calculator joins both parts. It discounts each listed cash flow, then adds a terminal model for the remaining stream.
Why Uneven Streams Need Care
Simple perpetuity formulas assume one stable payment. Real projects rarely behave that way. A solar lease, royalty contract, equipment saving, or research asset may start with uneven cash flows. After the early phase, the stream may grow smoothly or repeat a seasonal cycle. That is why the calculator supports listed cash flows, growth, tax effects, timing choices, and cycle repetition.
Using Discount Rates Correctly
The discount rate converts future money into today’s value. A higher rate reduces distant payments faster. A lower rate gives more weight to later value. You can enter an annual rate, choose payment frequency, and use a real basis when your cash flows exclude inflation. The tool converts annual assumptions into periodic rates before making calculations.
Interpreting The Result
Present value shows the worth of all future net cash flows today. Net present value subtracts the initial outlay. A positive result means the modeled stream is worth more than the cost. The terminal value often dominates an infinite stream, so always test several discount and growth assumptions. The sensitivity table helps you see how fragile the estimate may be.
Practical Tips
Use conservative growth when the stream lasts forever. Keep the terminal growth rate below the discount rate. Enter outflows as negative cash flows. Use after-tax settings only when the listed values are before tax. Review the chart to see which periods create the largest value. Export the table when you need to document assumptions or compare cases with your team. For engineering and physics style studies, the same logic can value energy recovery, maintenance savings, sensor output benefits, or lifetime efficiency gains. The result is not a guarantee. It is a structured estimate. Better inputs create better decisions, especially when the project has long useful life and uncertain returns.
FAQs
What is an infinite uneven cash flow stream?
It is a stream where early cash flows differ by period, but value continues forever through a terminal or repeating model.
Why must discount rate exceed growth?
If growth equals or exceeds the discount rate, the infinite value does not converge. The result becomes unrealistic or mathematically invalid.
Can I enter negative cash flows?
Yes. Enter negative numbers for costs, losses, repairs, or expected outflows. They reduce the final present value.
What does terminal value mean?
Terminal value estimates the value of all cash flows after the listed forecast period. It is discounted back to today.
When should I use repeating cycle mode?
Use it when the listed uneven cash flows are expected to repeat as a cycle, such as seasonal income or maintenance savings.
What is the real cash flow basis?
Use the real basis when cash flows exclude inflation. The calculator adjusts the discount rate using the inflation assumption.
Why is terminal value often large?
An infinite stream includes many future periods. Even small continuing cash flows can create a large present value.
Are the results financial advice?
No. The result is an estimate based on entered assumptions. Review inputs carefully before using it for decisions.