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Compare the roles of the inputs
| Question | TVM | Cash Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Recurring amounts | One level PMT | Explicit amounts and repeated groups |
| Initial/final amounts | PV and FV | CF0 and later entries |
| Rate convention | I/Y with P/Y and C/Y | I for one entry interval |
| Payment timing | END or BGN | Dates implied by CF0 and entry sequence |
Write the schedule before selecting the worksheet
Five equal end-period payments can be expressed in a TVM model. A sequence with different amounts needs explicit treatment of its flows. Some schedules can be represented both ways, but the valuation date, rate and signs must match before comparing outputs.
Keep the settings within their worksheet
Switching TVM to BGN does not move Cash Flow entries to beginning dates. A time-zero recurring payment must appear in CF0 or an explicitly netted immediate amount. Cash Flow frequency repeats amounts; it does not set payments per calendar year.
Use independent arithmetic to diagnose a mismatch
If two calculations disagree, compare interval lengths, rates, initial amounts, repeated counts and valuation dates before changing device settings. A model comparison is more informative than assuming the worksheet with the larger number is correct.