How is PPF interest calculated?

Interest is compounded annually at the rate notified by the government each quarter, currently 7.1 percent. For each month, interest accrues on the lowest balance between the 5th and the last day, so a deposit made on or before the 5th earns for that month. The calculator assumes deposits at the start of each period, which is the most favourable timing.

What is the maximum I can deposit in PPF?

₹1,50,000 per financial year across all your PPF accounts, including a minor child's account you operate. The minimum is ₹500 a year to keep the account active. Deposits above ₹1.5 lakh earn no interest.

Yes, on all three counts: the deposit qualifies for Section 80C under the old regime, the interest is exempt under Section 10(11), and the maturity amount is tax-free. It is one of the few instruments with exempt-exempt-exempt status.

Can I extend PPF beyond 15 years?

Yes, in blocks of 5 years, with or without further deposits. Submit Form H within one year of maturity to extend with contributions; otherwise the account continues earning interest without deposits and allows one withdrawal a year. The calculator lets you set 15, 20, 25 or 30 years.

Can I withdraw before 15 years?

Partial withdrawals are allowed from the seventh year, up to 50 percent of the balance at the end of the fourth preceding year or the preceding year, whichever is lower. Premature closure after five years is permitted only for specific reasons such as serious illness or higher education, with a 1 percent rate penalty.

PPF Calculator

Maturity of a Public Provident Fund account over 15 years or an extended term, at the notified rate.

Switch tool

Deposit frequency

Deposit per year (₹)

₹

Maximum ₹1,50,000 a year; anything above earns nothing.

Interest rate

% p.a.

7.1% is the current notified rate. It is reviewed every quarter.

Tenure

15 years, then 5-year extensions with deposits.

At maturity

Deposit per year

₹ 1,50,000

Total deposited15 years

₹ 22,50,000

Interest earnedtax-free

₹ 18,18,209

Maturity value

₹ 40,68,209

Illustrative only. Assumes deposits at the start of each year and a constant rate; the government revises the PPF rate quarterly. Deposits above ₹1.5 lakh a year earn no interest.

How it works

Annual compounding

Each year's closing balance plus the new deposit earns the full year's interest.

₹1.5 lakh cap

The statutory ceiling per financial year; the calculator applies it.

Extension

After 15 years, extend in 5-year blocks with or without deposits.

Plan a PPF account from first deposit to maturity

PPF is the one retail instrument that is exempt on contribution, interest and maturity. Enter how much you will deposit and how often, keep or adjust the notified rate, pick 15 years or an extended term, and the calculator shows the total deposited, the tax-free interest and the final balance. Deposit timing matters in real accounts; paying before the 5th of the month earns interest for that month.

EEE status

80C on the way in, exempt interest, tax-free maturity.

Rate is reviewed quarterly

Change the rate field if a revision is announced.

Monthly or yearly

Either deposit pattern, both capped at ₹1.5 lakh a year.

Lock-in

15 years, with partial withdrawals from year 7.