
The discount factor formula calculates the present value multiplier used to convert a future amount of money into its current value.
Use this formula when discounting future cash flows in financial analysis and investment evaluation.
If the discount rate is 6% for 5 years:
DF = 1 / (1 + 0.06)^5 ≈ 0.7473
A future payment is therefore worth about 74.73% of its future value today.
Discounted cash flow analysis, bond valuation, investment analysis, and corporate finance.