PPF Calculator
Enter your yearly PPF deposit to project the maturity value after the 15-year lock-in — with tax-free interest.
Runs entirely in your browser — your numbers never leave this page.
How it works
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is India's flagship small-savings scheme: a 15-year account with government-set interest, currently 7.1% p.a. compounded annually:
Maturity = P × [((1 + r)n − 1) ÷ r] × (1 + r)
where P is the yearly deposit, r the annual rate, and n the years.
- EEE tax status: deposits qualify for 80C deduction (up to Rs 1.5L), the interest is tax-free, and the maturity amount is tax-free — the best tax treatment of any fixed-income product.
- Limits: minimum Rs 500/year (account goes dormant below this), maximum Rs 1.5 lakh/year. One account per person.
- Extensions: after 15 years, extend in 5-year blocks — with fresh deposits (keeps 80C benefit) or without.
- Partial withdrawals allowed from year 7; loans available in years 3–6.
- The rate is reset quarterly and has ranged 7.1–8.8% over the past decade — treat long projections as approximate.
Frequently asked questions
How is PPF maturity calculated?
Yearly deposits compound annually: maturity = P × [((1+r)^n − 1) ÷ r] × (1+r). Rs 1.5 lakh/year at 7.1% for 15 years grows to about Rs 40.7 lakh — Rs 18.2 lakh of it tax-free interest.
What is the current PPF interest rate?
7.1% per annum, unchanged since April 2020. The finance ministry reviews small-savings rates every quarter, so it can change — this calculator lets you adjust it.
Is PPF interest taxable?
No. PPF has EEE status: deposits get 80C deduction, interest accrues tax-free, and the maturity payout is fully exempt. It is the most tax-efficient fixed-income option in India.
What is the minimum and maximum I can deposit?
Rs 500 minimum per year (the account goes dormant if you skip it; revive with a Rs 50 penalty) and Rs 1.5 lakh maximum per financial year, across all your PPF deposits.
Can I withdraw from PPF before 15 years?
Partial withdrawals are allowed from the 7th year (one per year, up to 50% of the balance). Full premature closure is permitted only on specific grounds like medical emergencies or higher education, with a 1% interest penalty.
Should I deposit monthly or yearly in PPF?
Yearly (or early in the year) earns slightly more, because interest is calculated on the lowest balance between the 5th and month-end. Deposit before April 5th to get interest for the full year.
Can I extend PPF after 15 years?
Yes, in 5-year blocks, unlimited times. Extend with fresh deposits to keep the 80C benefit, or without deposits to just let the balance compound tax-free.
PPF vs ELSS — which is better?
PPF gives guaranteed ~7.1% tax-free; ELSS (equity) has averaged ~12% but with market risk and only the gains above Rs 1.25L/year taxed. Young investors often split: PPF for safety, ELSS for growth.
Can I have two PPF accounts?
No — one account per person across all banks and post offices. A second account will be merged or closed, with only the first retaining full benefits.
Is PPF better than FD?
For long horizons, usually yes: the rate is comparable but PPF interest is tax-free while FD interest is taxed at your slab. On a 30% slab, a 7.1% tax-free PPF beats a 7.5% taxable FD.