Rule of 72 vs Rule of 115?

Larry McClanahan, Financial Advisor

@LarryMcClanahan 05/31/15 First posted on: 05/29/15
Last reviewed on: 05/31/15

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These are just quick-and-dirty "rules of thumb" to estimate how many years for an investment to double (72) or triple (115) given an assumed rate of return.
For example, if you assume a 5% rate, then your money should double in about 14.4 years (72/5 = 14.4) or triple in about 23 years. (115/5 = 23).
As to 72 vs. 115, both are imprecise estimates but the Rule of 72 is more commonly used.

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