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Geometric Sequence Calculator (nth Term and Sum)

This geometric sequence calculator finds the nth term and the sum of the first n terms of a sequence where each term is the previous one multiplied by the same number. When the ratio is between −1 and 1 it also gives the sum to infinity.

Result

Enter values and press Calculate to see the result.

Formula

an=a1rn−1a_n = a_1 r^{n-1}

Multiply the first term by the ratio n − 1 times.

Sn=a1(1−rn)1−r,r≠1S_n = \frac{a_1(1 - r^n)}{1 - r}, \quad r \neq 1

The sum of the first n terms.

S∞=a11−r,∣r∣<1S_\infty = \frac{a_1}{1 - r}, \quad |r| < 1

The sum to infinity exists only when the terms shrink towards 0.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter the first term and the common ratio (divide any term by the one before it).
  2. Enter n, the term you want (and how many terms to add).
  3. Press Calculate to see the nth term, the sum, the first terms and the infinite sum if it exists.

Worked examples

2, 6, 18, … : the 5th term and the sum of 5 terms

a₅ = 2 × 3⁴ = 162.

S₅ = 2(1 − 3⁵)/(1 − 3) = 2 × (−242)/(−2) = 242.

r = 3 > 1, so there is no sum to infinity.

8, 4, 2, … : halving each time

a₄ = 8 × (1/2)³ = 1.

S₄ = 8 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 15.

Sum to infinity: 8/(1 − 1/2) = 16.

Alternating signs: 5, −10, 20, …

a₆ = 5 × (−2)⁵ = −160.

S₆ = 5(1 − 64)/(1 + 2) = −105.

Common mistakes

  • Using rⁿ instead of rⁿ⁻¹ for the nth term.
  • Finding r by subtracting terms (that is the arithmetic difference); divide instead.
  • Using the sum to infinity when |r| ≥ 1: the sum grows without limit.

Frequently asked questions

How do you find the common ratio?

Divide a term by the one before it: 6 ÷ 2 = 3. The ratio is the same for every pair.

When does a geometric series have a sum to infinity?

Only when −1 < r < 1, so the terms get smaller and smaller. Then S∞ = a₁/(1 − r).

What is the difference between arithmetic and geometric sequences?

An arithmetic sequence adds the same number each time (3, 7, 11); a geometric sequence multiplies by the same number (2, 6, 18).