CD Calculator
Calculate the maturity value of a certificate of deposit.
Result
Results are estimates for general information only and are not professional advice.
What a certificate of deposit is
A CD, called a term or fixed deposit in many countries, locks a sum away for a defined period in exchange for a fixed interest rate that is normally higher than an instant-access account. The trade is certainty for liquidity: you know exactly what you will have at maturity, but withdrawing early usually forfeits some or all of the interest.
The formula behind it
The maturity value is P × (1 + r/n)^(n×t), where P is the deposit, r the annual rate, n the number of compounding periods per year and t the term in years. A deposit of 25,000 at 4.5% compounded monthly for three years matures at about 28,608, of which 3,608 is interest. More frequent compounding raises the return slightly — the gap between annual and daily compounding at these rates is real but small.
How to use this calculator
Enter the deposit amount, the annual rate, the term in years and how often interest compounds. The result shows the value at maturity and the total interest earned, which is the figure to compare across competing offers.
Choosing a term
Compare the annual percentage yield rather than the headline rate, since it already accounts for compounding frequency. Longer terms usually pay more, but they also commit you through any rate rises. A CD ladder — splitting the money across several staggered maturities — keeps part of the balance reaching maturity regularly, so you stay flexible without giving up much yield. Check the early-withdrawal penalty before committing, and confirm the deposit sits within your national deposit protection limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CD Calculator?
Calculate the maturity value of a certificate of deposit. It runs instantly in your browser and is completely free to use.
What do I need to enter to use the CD Calculator?
The CD Calculator asks for the following values (4): Deposit amount, Annual rate (%), Term (years), Compounding. Fill them in and the result appears immediately — the calculation runs on your own device, so nothing you type is sent to a server.
How accurate is the CD Calculator?
The CD Calculator uses standard, widely-accepted formulas, so its figures are reliable estimates for everyday planning. They are not a substitute for advice from a qualified professional.
Is the CD Calculator free, and do I need an account?
Yes. The CD Calculator — and every other calculator on Calculatis — is completely free, with no registration, no download and no limit on how often you use it.