Dirty Price
The total amount a buyer pays for a bond, including accrued interest since the last coupon.
Formula
Dirty Price = Clean Price + Accrued Interest
Unit
₹
In depth
The dirty price, also called the full or invoice price, is the amount that actually settles, because the seller must be compensated for the interest earned during their holding period. It rises steadily through a coupon period and falls by the coupon amount on the payment date, which is why it is unsuitable for charting. When comparing a bond's price today with its price three months ago, the comparison must use clean prices or the accrual will masquerade as a price move. Every yield and duration calculation is done on the clean price.
Worked example
Buying at a clean price of ₹950 with 73 days accrued on a ₹40 semi-annual coupon means paying 950 + 40 x 73 / 182 = ₹966.04. The next coupon of ₹40 goes entirely to the new holder.
Illustrative figures, chosen so the arithmetic is easy to follow. Not a live price and not a valuation of any company.
Educational reference only
This entry explains what “Dirty Price” means. It is not investment advice and not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Any numbers above are illustrative, not live prices, and nothing here predicts price direction or rates a stock. Consider your own circumstances and consult a SEBI-registered investment adviser before acting.