How to Use PPF Calculator
Enter Deposit
Add yearly PPF contribution between 500 and 1,50,000.
Select Rate & Tenure
Use current rate or test long-term extension scenarios.
Check Maturity
See total deposit, interest earned, and maturity corpus.
PPF Formula
PPF uses annual compounding.
Balance = Previous Balance + Deposit + Interest
Interest = Eligible Balance × Annual PPF Rate
Maturity = Total Deposits + Total Interest
PPF Calculator Guide
Public Provident Fund is one of India’s most trusted long-term savings schemes. It is popular because it combines safety, disciplined saving, compounding, and tax benefits. PPF is commonly used for retirement planning, children’s education, conservative wealth building, and long-term tax-free savings.
The PPF calculator helps estimate maturity value based on your yearly deposit, interest rate, and tenure. The standard PPF lock-in period is 15 years. After maturity, the account can usually be extended in 5-year blocks, making it useful for long-term compounding.
Why PPF is popular
PPF is government-backed and not directly linked to stock market movements. This makes it attractive for people who want stable long-term savings. The tax treatment is also a major benefit because contributions may qualify under Section 80C, while interest and maturity are generally tax-free under current rules.
How deposit timing affects PPF interest
PPF interest is calculated monthly on the lowest balance between the 5th day and the end of the month. For this reason, depositing before the 5th can help maximise interest. If you make one annual deposit, doing it before April 5 is often considered efficient.
PPF for long-term planning
PPF is not designed for short-term liquidity. Its strength is long-term disciplined compounding. Investors who continue deposits and extend their account after 15 years can build a meaningful tax-free corpus over time.
PPF Examples
Minimum Saver
A yearly deposit of 500 keeps the PPF account active and builds a small tax-free corpus over time.
Tax Saver
A yearly deposit of 1,50,000 can help maximise eligible 80C contribution and long-term PPF growth.
Long-Term Extension
Extending PPF beyond 15 years in 5-year blocks can increase compounding benefits significantly.
PPF Calculator FAQs
1. What is a PPF calculator?
A PPF calculator estimates the maturity value, total deposits, and interest earned from a Public Provident Fund account based on yearly contribution, interest rate, and tenure.
2. What is PPF?
PPF stands for Public Provident Fund. It is a long-term savings scheme backed by the Government of India, popular for tax benefits, safety, and tax-free maturity.
3. What is the current PPF interest rate?
The default rate used in this calculator is 7.1% per annum. PPF interest rates are notified by the government and may change from time to time.
4. What is the minimum PPF deposit?
The minimum annual deposit for a PPF account is 500.
5. What is the maximum PPF deposit?
The maximum annual deposit considered for PPF is 1,50,000. Deposits above this limit are not eligible in the standard PPF framework.
6. What is the PPF lock-in period?
PPF has a 15-year lock-in period. After maturity, it can be extended in blocks of 5 years.
7. How is PPF interest calculated?
PPF interest is compounded annually but calculated on the lowest balance between the 5th and last day of each month, then credited at financial year-end.
8. When should I deposit money in PPF?
To maximise interest, it is generally better to deposit before the 5th of the month, especially before April 5 for annual lump-sum deposits.
9. Is PPF tax-free?
PPF generally falls under EEE tax treatment: investment may qualify under Section 80C, interest is tax-free, and maturity amount is tax-free under current rules.
10. Can I withdraw PPF before 15 years?
Partial withdrawals are allowed after certain years subject to PPF rules. Full maturity is normally after 15 years.
11. Can I extend PPF after maturity?
Yes. PPF can usually be extended in blocks of 5 years after the initial 15-year maturity.
12. Is PPF better than FD?
PPF offers tax-free interest and government backing, while FD provides more liquidity and bank-based fixed returns. The better option depends on your goal, tax bracket, and liquidity needs.
13. Is PPF better than EPF?
EPF is mainly for salaried employees, while PPF can be used by eligible individuals for voluntary long-term savings. Both have different rules and contribution structures.
14. Can NRIs open a new PPF account?
PPF eligibility rules can change. NRIs generally cannot open a new PPF account, but treatment of existing accounts should be checked with official rules or a bank.
15. Can I have multiple PPF accounts?
Generally, one individual can have one PPF account in their own name. Minor accounts and special cases have separate rules.
16. Does PPF have market risk?
PPF is government-backed and not directly linked to market fluctuations, making it relatively safer than market-linked investments.
17. Can I take loan against PPF?
Loan facility may be available during specific years of the PPF account subject to scheme rules.
18. Does HQCalc store my PPF data?
No. The calculation runs in your browser. HQCalc does not store your deposit, interest rate, or maturity data.
19. Is this calculator exact?
It provides an estimate based on your inputs. Actual maturity depends on deposit timing, government-notified interest rates, and official PPF rules.
20. Can I use this for 20 or 25 years?
Yes. This calculator includes 15 years and extension-style tenures such as 20, 25, 30, and 35 years for long-term planning.