Calculator
FX forward rate calculator
An FX forward locks in an exchange rate for a future date. Under covered interest parity the forward is set so that neither side gains from the interest-rate difference between the two currencies.
Forward rate
1.08836
- Forward points
- 33.6 pips
- Base trades at a forward premium
- Annualised premium / discount
- 1.257%
Formula
Forward = Spot × (1 + r_quote × days ÷ basis_quote) ÷ (1 + r_base × days ÷ basis_base)
Forward points = Forward − Spot
How to use it
Quote the pair as BASE/QUOTE, e.g. EUR/USD where EUR is the base. Enter the money-market rate for each currency and the number of days to settlement.
Most currencies use an ACT/360 day count; GBP, AUD, NZD, CAD and a few others use ACT/365.
If the quote currency has the higher interest rate, the forward trades at a premium to spot (positive points), and vice versa.
Assumptions and limits
- Uses simple interest for periods up to a year, as in the money market. Longer tenors are normally priced off swap curves.
- Ignores the cross-currency basis, which can move real forward prices away from textbook parity.
Common questions
What are forward points in pips?
Forward points are usually quoted in pips: multiply the price difference by 10,000 for most pairs, or by 100 for yen pairs.
Is the forward rate a forecast of the future spot rate?
No. It reflects the interest-rate difference between the two currencies, not an expectation of where spot will be.
For education only, not investment advice. Results depend entirely on the inputs and assumptions above; check important numbers independently.