Ajaväärtust

Ajaväärtust is a concept that describes how the value of outcomes is related to their timing. It reflects the idea that getting something sooner is often more valuable than obtaining it later, due to possibilities for earning, reducing risk, or satisfying a preference for immediacy. The term combines the Estonian words aeg (time) and väärtus (value) and is used across disciplines to discuss how timing affects valuation and decision making.

In economics and finance the best-known aspect is the time value of money: a sum available today is worth more than the same amount in the future because it can be invested, earn interest, and offset inflation and uncertainty. Beyond finance, ajaväärtust is relevant in project management, operations, and pricing, where shorter lead times or faster delivery can reduce costs, capture market opportunities, or increase perceived value. In information and decision sciences, timely or current information often has higher value because it improves the quality of decisions and reduces uncertainty.

Measurement and analysis of ajaväärtust typically involve discounting future outcomes to their present value, comparing alternative timelines, and considering time preferences or opportunity costs. The concept is closely related to, but broader than, the time value of money, encompassing the general principle that timing matters for value across contexts.

Related concepts include time value of money, present value, discounting, opportunity cost, and timeliness.