Quick Answer

CUMPRINC Function

Calculates the cumulative principal paid on a loan between two periods.

✓ Excel✓ Google SheetsExcel All versions

Syntax

CUMPRINC
(rate, nper, pv, start_period, end_period, type)

Parameters

ParameterDescriptionRequired
rateInterest rate per period.Required
nperTotal number of payment periods.Required
pvPresent value or loan principal.Required
start_periodFirst period in the range to include.Required
end_periodLast period in the range to include.Required
type0 = end of period, 1 = beginning of period.Required

Basic Example

Total principal paid in the first year of a mortgage

=CUMPRINC(0.05/12, 360, 300000, 1, 12, 0)
Result-$4,424.67

For a $300,000 mortgage at 5% over 30 years, about $4,425 of principal is paid in the first year.

Advanced Examples

Example 1: Principal paid in later years

Equity tracking

Principal paid in years 6-10

=CUMPRINC(0.05/12, 360, 300000, 61, 120, 0)
Result: Total principal for years 6-10
As the loan balance decreases, more principal is paid each period.

How CUMPRINC Works

CUMPRINC sums the principal portions of all payments from start_period to end_period. It is the counterpart of CUMIPMT.

1
Enter rate
Type the rate
2
Enter nper
Type the nper
3
Enter pv
Type the pv
4
Enter start_period
Type the start_period
5
Calculate
Press Enter to get the result.

Important Notes & Limitations

  • Requires consistent period units.

  • The type argument is required.

  • Returns a negative value because principal payments are outflows.

Common Errors & Fixes

#NUM! errorPeriod values are invalid or type is not 0 or 1.

Fix: Check that 1 <= start_period <= end_period <= nper and type is 0 or 1.

Annual rate not dividedRate was not adjusted for period.

Fix: Use monthly rate for monthly periods.

Download Practice File

Practice CUMPRINC with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the CUMPRINC function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CUMPRINC and PPMT?
PPMT returns principal for one period. CUMPRINC sums principal over a range.
Can CUMPRINC be negative?
Yes, it returns negative because principal payments are outflows.
How do I track loan payoff?
Use CUMPRINC to see how much principal has been paid over time.