SARAL JANKARI
PPF Calculator: Estimate Maturity & Interest
Start here · PPF made simple
First, what is PPF?
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a long-term savings scheme backed by the Government of India. You put money into the account, the account earns interest, and that interest adds to your savings over time. Think of it as a savings pot you build patiently for a future goal—not money to keep dipping into every month.
Understand the basics, then calculate ↓How does PPF work?
- You add moneyYou can usually deposit in one go or in instalments during the financial year, within the scheme’s yearly limit.
- Your balance earns interestThe government-notified interest rate applies to your account under the scheme’s rules. Interest is credited yearly.
- Your savings can build on themselvesWhen interest stays in the account, future interest can be earned on the growing balance too. This is the basic idea of compounding.
If you save
₹1,000 a monthYou contribute
₹12,000 a yearThat ₹12,000 is your contribution—not your interest or final balance. Your account may grow beyond your deposits as interest is added. The calculator below estimates how the balance could grow under the assumptions you choose.
Why do people consider PPF?
For long-term goals: It can be worth considering when you are saving for something years away, such as a future education cost or retirement.
For a government-backed savings option: The scheme has rules set by the government, rather than returns that move directly with stock-market prices.
For disciplined saving: A long time horizon can help you build a habit of contributing regularly.
What should you be careful about?
It is not a short-term emergency fund. The initial term is long, and withdrawals are limited by scheme conditions, even though some access may be allowed after specified periods.
The rate may change. The current rate should not be assumed to apply for the entire life of your account.
Tax rules matter. Tax treatment depends on the rules that apply to you; verify the current position before relying on a deduction or tax benefit.
Ready to estimate your own PPF savings?
Now that the basics are clear, use the calculator below to change your yearly deposit, saving period and assumed interest rate. It will show a projected balance, total contributions and estimated interest. The result is an illustration—not a promise of what your account will earn.
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See how your PPF savings could grow
Plan your Public Provident Fund savings with a clear estimate of the amount you invest, the interest it may earn, and the balance you could build over time.
Your savings plan
Change any value to update the estimate.
Use amounts in multiples of ₹50, within the scheme’s annual limit.
Includes the initial 15-year term and possible 5-year extensions.
The rate is editable so you can model a lower or higher future rate.
Your estimated outcome
An illustration, not a guaranteed return.
Projected maturity value
₹27,12,139
Estimated balance after 15 years, assuming the interest rate stays at 7.1% and deposits are made at the start of each financial year.
Where your maturity value comes from
PPF interest is calculated monthly under scheme rules. This simplified annual projection helps with planning; actual results depend on deposit timing and notified rates.
Year-by-year projection
See how the estimated closing balance builds over time.
| Year | Opening balance | Deposit | Est. interest | Closing balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ₹0 | ₹1,00,000 | ₹7,100 | ₹1,07,100 |
Figures are rounded to the nearest rupee for display. All yearly deposits are assumed to be made at the start of the financial year for this projection.
How this estimate works
The projection adds your annual deposit to the running balance and applies the selected annual rate. It then repeats this calculation for each year to estimate the maturity value.
This model is intentionally simple and useful for comparing scenarios. It does not reproduce the exact month-by-month crediting process used by PPF accounts.
PPF limits and official information
Under the published scheme rules, the annual deposit range is ₹500 to ₹1.5 lakh, in multiples of ₹50. The initial account term is 15 years, with extension options under the scheme.
PPF calculator: common questions
Is the maturity amount guaranteed?
No. This calculator gives an estimate based on the rate you enter and an assumed annual deposit schedule. The notified PPF interest rate can change, so your actual balance may differ.
Why could my actual PPF interest be different?
PPF interest is calculated monthly on the lowest balance between the close of the fifth day and the end of the month, then credited annually. Your deposit date and the applicable rates affect the actual amount.
What is the minimum and maximum yearly PPF deposit?
The published scheme rules specify a minimum annual deposit of ₹500 and a maximum of ₹1,50,000, with deposits in multiples of ₹50. Check the current official rules before making a deposit.
Can I keep a PPF account for longer than 15 years?
The initial term is 15 years. Extensions in five-year blocks are available under scheme rules; check current official guidance for the extension options that apply to your account.
Saral Jankari provides educational estimates, not personalised financial advice. Confirm current rates and account rules with India Post or the National Savings Institute before acting on this estimate.