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Simple Interest Questions: Practice, Tips & Solutions

20 Feb 2026
5 min read

Key Takeaways From the Blog

  • Simple interest is a key concept in both school and real-life finance.
  • The formula for simple interest is SI = (P × R × T) / 100.
  • Understanding simple interest aptitude helps with exams, loans, and savings.
  • Step-by-step methods and worked examples make calculations easy.
  • Practice with a variety of simple interest practice questions to master the topic.

Introduction

The basic mathematical principle which forms the basis of both mathematics and finance shows up in school assessments and entrance examinations and everyday financial computations through its application in simple interest calculation. When you learn how to solve simple interest problems, your arithmetic abilities will improve, and you will gain essential skills for dealing with banking matters and loan processes and savings management. The article will guide you through essential simple interest skills by presenting complete solutions to exercises while showing common errors and different practice problems for you to improve your understanding of the topic.

What Is Simple Interest?

Simple interest is the extra amount earned or paid on a principal sum over a period of time, calculated at a fixed rate. Unlike compound interest, simple interest is always calculated on the original principal, making it straightforward to compute.

Simple Interest Formula:

Simple Interest (SI) = (P × R × T) / 100

Where:

  • P = Principal (the initial amount)
  • R = Rate of interest per annum (in percent)
  • T = Time period (in years)

This formula is the basis for solving most simple interest formula questions and is essential for tackling both basic and advanced math simple interest questions

Step-by-Step Method to Solve Simple Interest Questions

Whether you’re preparing for an aptitude test on simple interest or working through simple interest mock test materials, these steps will help you solve any simple interest problem:

  1. Identify the Values: Carefully read the question to determine the principal (P), rate (R), and time (T).
  2. Apply the Formula: Substitute the values into the simple interest formula: SI = (P × R × T) / 100.
  3. Calculate the Simple Interest: Perform the multiplication and division as per the formula.
  4. Find the Total Amount (if required): Add the simple interest to the principal: Amount = P + SI.

Practice Questions and Solutions for Simple Interest

These simple interest solved questions cover a wide range of scenarios, from basic simple interest questions to more advanced simple and compound interest problems. Each solution follows the standard formula and includes step-by-step explanations to help you master the topic and excel in any simple interest quiz or aptitude questions on simple interest.

1. Find the simple interest on Rs. 2,500 at 8% per annum for 3 years.

Solution:
SI = (P × R × T) / 100
SI = (2500 × 8 × 3) / 100 = (2500 × 24) / 100 = 60,000 / 100 = Rs. 600
Explanation:
Multiply principal, rate, and time, then divide by 100.

2. What is the amount after 5 years if Rs. 4,000 is invested at 7% per annum simple interest?

Solution:
SI = (4000 × 7 × 5) / 100 = (4000 × 35) / 100 = 140,000 / 100 = Rs. 1,400
Amount = Principal + SI = 4,000 + 1,400 = Rs. 5,400
Explanation:
Calculate SI, then add to principal for total amount.

3. A sum of Rs. 1,800 earns a simple interest of Rs. 432 in 4 years. Find the rate of interest.

Solution:
SI = (P × R × T) / 100432 = (1800 × R × 4) / 100432 = (7200R) / 100432 × 100 = 7200R → 43,200 = 7200RR = 43,200 / 7200 = 6%
Explanation:
Rearrange formula to solve for R.

4. How long will it take for Rs. 3,000 to earn Rs. 540 as simple interest at 9% per annum?

Solution:
SI = (P × R × T) / 100
540 = (3000 × 9 × T) / 100
540 × 100 = 27,000T
54,000 = 27,000T
T = 54,000 / 27,000 = 2 years
Explanation:
Rearrange to solve for T.

5. If Rs. 1,500 amounts to Rs. 1,800 in 4 years, what is the rate of simple interest?

Solution:
SI = 1,800 – 1,500 = Rs. 300
300 = (1500 × R × 4) / 100
300 × 100 = 6,000R → 30,000 = 6,000R
R = 30,000 / 6,000 = 5%
Explanation:
Find SI, then solve for R.

6. Find the principal if the simple interest earned in 5 years at 10% per annum is Rs. 1,250.

Solution:
SI = (P × R × T) / 100
1,250 = (P × 10 × 5) / 100 = (P × 50) / 100
1,250 × 100 = 50P → 125,000 = 50P
P = 125,000 / 50 = Rs. 2,500
Explanation:
Rearrange to solve for P.

7. A sum of Rs. 2,200 is lent at 12% per annum simple interest for 2.5 years. Find the interest.

Solution:
SI = (2200 × 12 × 2.5) / 100 = (2200 × 30) / 100 = 66,000 / 100 = Rs. 660
Explanation:
Multiply and divide as per formula.

8. At what rate percent per annum will Rs. 1,600 amount to Rs. 2,000 in 5 years?

Solution:
SI = 2,000 – 1,600 = Rs. 400
400 = (1600 × R × 5) / 100
400 × 100 = 8,000R → 40,000 = 8,000R
R = 40,000 / 8,000 = 5%
Explanation:
Find SI, then solve for R.

9. A person borrows Rs. 5,000 at 6% per annum. How much interest will he pay in 3 years?

Solution:
SI = (5000 × 6 × 3) / 100 = (5000 × 18) / 100 = 90,000 / 100 = Rs. 900
Explanation:
Standard calculation.

10. If the simple interest on a sum for 1 year at 8% per annum is Rs. 120, find the sum.

Solution:
120 = (P × 8 × 1) / 100
120 × 100 = 8P → 12,000 = 8P
P = 12,000 / 8 = Rs. 1,500
Explanation:
Rearranged to solve for P.

11. Find the simple interest on Rs. 7,500 at 9% per annum for 4 years.

Solution:
SI = (7500 × 9 × 4) / 100 = (7500 × 36) / 100 = 270,000 / 100 = Rs. 2,700

12. If Rs. 2,400 amounts to Rs. 2,700 in 3 years, what is the rate of interest?

Solution:
SI = 2,700 – 2,400 = Rs. 300
300 = (2400 × R × 3) / 100
300 × 100 = 7,200R → 30,000 = 7,200R
R = 30,000 / 7,200 ≈ 4.17%

13. In how many years will Rs. 2,000 double itself at 12.5% simple interest per annum?

Solution:
SI = 2,000 (to double: SI = P)
2,000 = (2,000 × 12.5 × T) / 100
2,000 × 100 = 25,000T
200,000 = 25,000T
T = 200,000 / 25,000 = 8 years

14. What is the principal if the simple interest for 2 years at 15% per annum is Rs. 900?

Solution:
900 = (P × 15 × 2) / 100 = (P × 30) / 100
900 × 100 = 30P → 90,000 = 30P
P = 90,000 / 30 = Rs. 3,000

15. A sum of Rs. 5,000 earns Rs. 1,500 as simple interest in 6 years. Find the rate.

Solution:
1,500 = (5,000 × R × 6) / 100
1,500 × 100 = 30,000R
150,000 = 30,000R
R = 150,000 / 30,000 = 5%

16. If Rs. 3,600 is invested at 8% per annum, find the amount after 5 years.

Solution:
SI = (3,600 × 8 × 5) / 100 = (3,600 × 40) / 100 = 144,000 / 100 = Rs. 1,440
Amount = 3,600 + 1,440 = Rs. 5,040

17. A loan of Rs. 2,000 is to be repaid in 3 years at 10% simple interest. What is the total repayment?

Solution:
SI = (2,000 × 10 × 3) / 100 = (2,000 × 30) / 100 = 60,000 / 100 = Rs. 600
Total repayment = 2,000 + 600 = Rs. 2,600

18. Calculate the simple interest on Rs. 1,200 at 7% per annum for 2 years and 6 months.

Solution:
Time = 2.5 years
SI = (1,200 × 7 × 2.5) / 100 = (1,200 × 17.5) / 100 = 21,000 / 100 = Rs. 210

19. If the interest on Rs. 8,000 for 3 years is Rs. 1,920, what is the rate of interest?

Solution:
1,920 = (8,000 × R × 3) / 100
1,920 × 100 = 24,000R
192,000 = 24,000R
R = 192,000 / 24,000 = 8%

20. How long will it take for Rs. 4,000 to earn Rs. 1,000 as simple interest at 5% per annum?

Solution:
1,000 = (4,000 × 5 × T) / 100
1,000 × 100 = 20,000T
100,000 = 20,000T
T = 100,000 / 20,000 = 5 years

21. Find the principal if the simple interest at 9% for 6 years is Rs. 1,620.

Solution:
1,620 = (P × 9 × 6) / 100 = (P × 54) / 100
1,620 × 100 = 54P
162,000 = 54P
P = 162,000 / 54 ≈ Rs. 3,000

22. A sum amounts to Rs. 2,350 in 3 years at 5% per annum. Find the principal.

Solution:
Let P = principal
SI = A – P = 2,350 – P
SI = (P × 5 × 3) / 100 = (P × 15) / 100
2,350 – P = (P × 15) / 100
Multiply both sides by 100:
(2,350 – P) × 100 = 15P
235,000 – 100P = 15P
235,000 = 115P
P = 235,000 / 115 ≈ Rs. 2,043.48

23. What will be the simple interest on Rs. 6,500 at 11% per annum for 2 years?

Solution:
SI = (6,500 × 11 × 2) / 100 = (6,500 × 22) / 100 = 143,000 / 100 = Rs. 1,430

24. If Rs. 1,800 becomes Rs. 2,070 in 5 years, what is the annual rate of interest?

Solution:
SI = 2,070 – 1,800 = Rs. 270
270 = (1,800 × R × 5) / 100
270 × 100 = 9,000R
27,000 = 9,000R
R = 27,000 / 9,000 = 3%

25. In how many years will Rs. 1,500 earn Rs. 450 at 6% per annum?

Solution:
450 = (1,500 × 6 × T) / 100
450 × 100 = 9,000T
45,000 = 9,000T
T = 45,000 / 9,000 = 5 years

26. Find the rate of interest if Rs. 2,250 earns Rs. 675 in 4 years.

Solution:
675 = (2,250 × R × 4) / 100
675 × 100 = 9,000R
67,500 = 9,000R
R = 67,500 / 9,000 = 7.5%

27. How much interest will Rs. 2,700 earn in 3 years at 6.5% per annum?

Solution:
SI = (2,700 × 6.5 × 3) / 100 = (2,700 × 19.5) / 100 = 52,650 / 100 = Rs. 526.50

28. What amount will Rs. 5,500 become in 4 years at 7% simple interest per annum?

Solution:
SI = (5,500 × 7 × 4) / 100 = (5,500 × 28) / 100 = 154,000 / 100 = Rs. 1,540
Amount = 5,500 + 1,540 = Rs. 7,040

29. Find the principal if the interest earned in 2 years at 8% per annum is Rs. 320.

Solution:
320 = (P × 8 × 2) / 100 = (P × 16) / 100
320 × 100 = 16P
32,000 = 16P
P = 32,000 / 16 = Rs. 2,000

30. A person lends Rs. 3,000 at 5% per annum. How much will he receive in 2 years?

Solution:
SI = (3,000 × 5 × 2) / 100 = (3,000 × 10) / 100 = 30,000 / 100 = Rs. 300
Total = 3,000 + 300 = Rs. 3,300

31. Calculate the simple interest on Rs. 2,800 at 12% per annum for 18 months.

Solution:
Time = 18/12 = 1.5 years
SI = (2,800 × 12 × 1.5) / 100 = (2,800 × 18) / 100 = 50,400 / 100 = Rs. 504

32. If Rs. 4,500 becomes Rs. 5,400 in 4 years, what is the rate of interest?

Solution:
SI = 5,400 – 4,500 = Rs. 900
900 = (4,500 × R × 4) / 100
900 × 100 = 18,000R
90,000 = 18,000R
R = 90,000 / 18,000 = 5%

33. What is the principal if the amount after 3 years at 10% per annum is Rs. 2,640?

Solution:
Let P = principal
SI = 2,640 – P
SI = (P × 10 × 3) / 100 = (P × 30) / 100
2,640 – P = (P × 30) / 100
(2,640 – P) × 100 = 30P
264,000 – 100P = 30P
264,000 = 130P
P = 264,000 / 130 ≈ Rs. 2,030.77

34. Find the time required for Rs. 2,500 to amount to Rs. 3,000 at 8% per annum.

Solution:
SI = 3,000 – 2,500 = Rs. 500
500 = (2,500 × 8 × T) / 100
500 × 100 = 20,000T
50,000 = 20,000T
T = 50,000 / 20,000 = 2.5 years

35. A sum of Rs. 1,200 is invested at 9% per annum. What is the interest after 2 years?

Solution:
SI = (1,200 × 9 × 2) / 100 = (1,200 × 18) / 100 = 21,600 / 100 = Rs. 216

36. If Rs. 2,000 earns Rs. 720 as simple interest at 6% per annum, find the time.

Solution:
720 = (2,000 × 6 × T) / 100
720 × 100 = 12,000T
72,000 = 12,000T
T = 72,000 / 12,000 = 6 years

37. What will be the amount after 5 years if Rs. 1,800 is invested at 7.5% per annum?

Solution:
SI = (1,800 × 7.5 × 5) / 100 = (1,800 × 37.5) / 100 = 67,500 / 100 = Rs. 675
Amount = 1,800 + 675 = Rs. 2,475

38. At what rate will Rs. 4,000 amount to Rs. 5,000 in 5 years?

Solution:
SI = 5,000 – 4,000 = Rs. 1,000
1,000 = (4,000 × R × 5) / 100
1,000 × 100 = 20,000R
100,000 = 20,000R
R = 100,000 / 20,000 = 5%

39. If the simple interest on Rs. 3,500 in 2 years is Rs. 420, find the rate of interest.

Solution:
420 = (3,500 × R × 2) / 100
420 × 100 = 7,000R
42,000 = 7,000R
R = 42,000 / 7,000 = 6%

40. How much interest will Rs. 2,200 earn in 4 years at 6% per annum?

Solution:
SI = (2,200 × 6 × 4) / 100 = (2,200 × 24) / 100 = 52,800 / 100 = Rs. 528

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Simple Interest

Even though simple interest calculations are straightforward, certain mistakes can lead to incorrect answers. Being aware of these pitfalls will help you solve problems accurately and confidently. Here are some of the most common mistakes to watch out for:

  1. Not Converting Time Units Properly: Simple interest formulas require time in years. If the time is given in months or days, remember to convert it to years before using the formula.
    Example: 18 months = 1.5 years.
  2. Using the Wrong Formula: Sometimes, students mistakenly use the compound interest formula instead of the simple interest formula. Always check which type of interest the question asks for.
  3. Incorrectly Identifying the Principal: The principal is the original amount of money invested or borrowed, not the total amount after adding interest. Carefully read the question to identify the correct value.
  4. Forgetting to Divide by 100: After multiplying the principal, rate, and time, don’t forget to divide by 100 as required by the formula.
  5. Adding Interest Directly to the Rate: The interest should be calculated using the formula, not by simply adding the rate percentage to the principal.
  6. Calculation Errors: Simple multiplication or division mistakes can lead to wrong answers. Double-check your calculations, especially in multi-step problems.
  7. Ignoring Units: Always include the correct units (such as Rs., $, %, or years) in your answers and calculations.

Quick Note: By keeping these common mistakes in mind and reviewing your work carefully, you can avoid errors and solve simple interest questions with confidence.

Real-Life Applications of Simple Interest

Simple interest functions as both a mathematical concept and a financial tool which people use throughout their daily lives. Understanding how simple interest functions enables you to make better choices about your borrowing needs and investment opportunities and your financial management. The following examples show how people use these methods in their daily lives:

  1. Bank Savings Accounts: When you deposit money in certain types of savings accounts, banks may pay you simple interest on your principal. Knowing how to calculate this interest helps you estimate your future earnings.
  2. Fixed Deposits and Certificates of Deposit (CDs): Financial institutions often offer fixed deposits or CDs where the interest is calculated using the simple interest formula. This allows you to predict exactly how much you’ll earn over the deposit period.
  3. Personal and Educational Loans: Many short-term loans, including some personal and educational loans, use simple interest to determine the total amount you’ll have to repay. Understanding the calculation helps you compare loan options and manage repayment plans.
  4. Car and Consumer Loans: The total cost of borrowing which includes auto loans and consumer goods installment plans can be calculated through their use of simple interest methods.
  5. Short-Term Borrowing: Businesses and individuals use simple interest for their short-term loan needs because it enables them to calculate interest expenses that will occur during the designated timeframe.
  6. Trade Credit: Suppliers may extend simple-interest-based credit to buyers, allowing them to pay for goods or services after a certain period with an added interest charge.

Bottom Line: By recognizing these applications, you can better understand your financial agreements and make informed choices when saving, investing, or borrowing money.

Additional Resources for Simple Interest Concepts

You can enhance your knowledge of simple interest through various available resources which provide educational materials for your study needs. The following resources offer a range of question types, explanations, and study aids to support your learning and exam preparation.

  • Aptitude Questions and Answers Section: Practice a variety of question types, including multiple choice and true-or-false, to prepare for exams and interviews.
  • Simple Interest Worksheets and Quizzes: Download free worksheets and take online quizzes to test your knowledge.
  • Detailed Explanations and Expert Solutions: Look for resources that provide step-by-step solutions and expert tips to clarify difficult problems.
  • Downloadable PDFs: Educational websites provide free downloadable PDFs which include practice tests and answer keys for students who wish to study offline.
  • Study Materials and Tables: Use summary tables, simple interest questions table, and formula sheets to quickly reference key concepts and formulas.

Quick Recap: Take advantage of diverse resources quizzes, worksheets, and simple interest problems with answers to reinforce your skills.

Quick Comparison: Simple vs. Compound Interest

Understanding the difference between simple interest and compound interest is essential for making informed financial decisions. While both are methods of calculating interest, they work in distinct ways and can have a significant impact on your total returns or payments over time. Here’s a quick comparison for simple and compound interest aptitude questions:

Feature Simple Interest (SI) Compound Interest (CI)
Calculation Basis Calculated only on the original principal amount Calculated on the principal plus accumulated interest
Formula SI = (P × R × T) / 100 A = P(1 + R/100)n
Interest Growth Remains the same every period Grows each period as interest is added to principal
Total Amount Amount = Principal + Simple Interest Amount increases faster due to compounding
Usage Short-term loans, savings, fixed deposits Long-term loans, investments, recurring deposits

In summary:

  • With simple interest, the interest earned or paid is constant each period and does not change.
  • With compound interest, the interest is added to the principal, so you earn (or pay) interest on both the original principal and the previously accumulated interest, resulting in faster growth over time.

Knowing which type of interest applies can help you better evaluate loan offers, investment opportunities, and savings plans.

Final Thoughts

Simple interest questions are a staple in mathematics and finance, forming the basis of many real-world transactions. By practicing different types of simple interest problem solving and being mindful of common pitfalls, you can quickly master this topic. Use the practice simple interest problems above to test your understanding and build confidence for exams or everyday financial planning.

Why It Matters?

Understanding simple interest is essential for students and professionals and all people who handle financial matters. The program enables you to make informed decisions which help you prevent expensive errors while you develop your financial knowledge. 

Practical Advice for Learners

  • Students must complete different types of simple interest practice questions on a regular basis. 
  • The step-by-step solutions should be studied to identify your mistakes. 
  • Students can use downloadable PDFs and quizzes to complete their additional study material. 
  • Students must learn the simple interest formula and its practical application. 
  • Calculators require you to verify the accuracy of time measurements and principal amounts through all your computations. 
  • You will demonstrate the differences between simple interest and compound interest through your analysis of both interest types.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is simple interest?

Simple interest is the additional amount paid or earned on a principal amount at a fixed rate for a particular period of time. The formula is SI = (P × R × T) / 100.

2. How do I solve simple interest problems in exams?

You need to extract the principal, rate, and time from the problem and then use the formula to solve the problem step by step. Make sure to check your units and calculations.

3. Are there any shortcuts or tricks to solve simple interest problems?

Yes! For instance, if you know the interest for a year, you can multiply the interest by the number of years to get the total interest (assuming the rate is constant).

4. Where can I get more practice problems and worksheets?

Many educational websites provide downloadable PDFs, quizzes, and worksheets on simple interest. You can look for websites that provide "aptitude questions and answers," "objective questions," or "fully solved examples."

5. What is the difference between simple and compound interest?

Simple interest is calculated only on the principal amount, while compound interest is calculated on the principal amount plus the interest already earned.

6. Can I get simple interest questions in other formats, like true-or-false or multiple choice?

Absolutely. Simple interest questions are available in various formats, including objective questions, true-or-false, and detailed explanations in study materials.

7. How can I avoid common mistakes in simple interest problems?

Always convert time to years, use the correct formula, and check your calculations. Review worked examples and expert explanations for guidance.

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