What does the future value of an annuity formula take into account?

The future value of an annuity formula specifically focuses on a series of equal payments made at regular intervals over time. This formula allows individuals to calculate how much a sequence of equal payments will grow at a certain interest rate up to a specified future time. It essentially aggregates the individual contributions and accounts for the compound interest earned on these payments throughout the investment period.

In contrast, a single payment is addressed in the future value of a single sum formula, which does not consider multiple payments or periodic contributions. Countless payments over an infinite period would not fit the annuity definition since annuities require a finite number of payments. Finally, the future value of an annuity formula does not cater to varying payments; rather, it specifically deals with fixed, equal payments, emphasizing the time value of money associated with consistent contributions.