where t=time (whether it be in months,years,weeks,etc.)
where r=rate per period (of time)
and PV=present value (or yes, principal amount, depending on what you
are doing)
r and t depend on compounding.
they need to match.
Ex. If you are dealing with a 5.25% APR rate (annual) with monthly
compounding then:
r=.0525/12
t=12