25/01/2026
The Rule of 72: Examples That Will Change How You See Money.
The Rule of 72 is a simple way to know how long it takes for money (or problems) to double.
72 ÷ Rate (%) = Years to Double
Now let’s look at it from different angles
Savings Angle
You save money at 4% interest.
72 ÷ 4 = 18 years to double.
That means ₦100,000 becomes ₦200,000 in 18 years.
Slow growth is almost no growth.
Investment Angle
You invest at 12%.
72 ÷ 12 = 6 years.
₦100,000 → ₦200,000 in 6 years
→ ₦400,000 in 12 years
→ ₦800,000 in 18 years
Compounding rewards patience.
Business Angle
Your business grows profit at 24% yearly.
72 ÷ 24 = 3 years.
Every 3 years, your profit potential doubles.
Small improvements in growth rate change everything.
Inflation Angle
Inflation runs at 15%.
72 ÷ 15 ≈ 5 years.
Prices double in about 5 years.
If your income doesn’t grow, life gets harder — fast.
Life Decision Angle
A 6% decision vs a 12% decision
looks small today…
but one doubles in 12 years, the other in 6.
Time exposes every choice.
The lesson
Wealth is not magic.
It’s math + time + discipline.
Ask yourself: At the rate my money or skills are growing,
how long before they double?