Home/Calculators/PPF Calculator•Last updated: June 13, 2026

PPF Calculator India 2026

Calculate your Public Provident Fund maturity amount with year-wise breakdown. Plan your tax-free retirement corpus with EEE benefits.

₹40.7L
Maturity Value
+₹18.2L
Interest Earned
1.81x
Wealth Multiplier
₹6.75L
Tax Saved (Est)

Investment Details

₹

1.50 Lakh

Max Rs 1,50,000 per year

years
15 years50 years
₹

Existing balance (if any)

PPF Settings

% p.a.
6% p.a.9% p.a.
Lock-in Period15 years
Tax StatusEEE (Exempt)
Section 80C BenefitUp to Rs 1.5L

Total Invested

₹22.5L

Interest Earned

₹18.2L

Maturity Value

₹40.7L

Effective Return

5.4% CAGR

Tax-free

Investment vs Returns

Total Invested
Interest Earned

Balance Growth Over Time

Year-wise PPF Projection

YearDepositOpening BalanceInterestClosing Balance
1₹1.50L₹0+₹10.7K₹1.61L
2₹1.50L₹1.61L+₹22.1K₹3.33L
3₹1.50L₹3.33L+₹34.3K₹5.17L
4₹1.50L₹5.17L+₹47.4K₹7.14L
5₹1.50L₹7.14L+₹61.4K₹9.26L
6₹1.50L₹9.26L+₹76.4K₹11.5L
7₹1.50L₹11.5L+₹92.4K₹13.9L
8₹1.50L₹13.9L+₹1.10L₹16.5L
9₹1.50L₹16.5L+₹1.28L₹19.3L
10₹1.50L₹19.3L+₹1.48L₹22.3L
11₹1.50L₹22.3L+₹1.69L₹25.5L
12₹1.50L₹25.5L+₹1.92L₹28.9L
13₹1.50L₹28.9L+₹2.16L₹32.6L
14₹1.50L₹32.6L+₹2.42L₹36.5L
15₹1.50L₹36.5L+₹2.70L₹40.7L

What is Public Provident Fund (PPF)?

The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed savings scheme launched in 1968. It's one of the safest investment options in India with guaranteed returns and full sovereign backing. PPF enjoys the coveted EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) tax status - your deposits, interest earned, and maturity amount are all completely tax-free.

Think of PPF as a forced savings discipline with compounding magic. With a 15-year lock-in, it ensures you don't touch your retirement money. If you invest ₹1.5 lakhs annually (max limit) for 15 years at 7.1%, you'll accumulate over ₹40 lakhs - and not a single rupee goes to tax.

The Power of EEE Tax Status

💰

E1: Investment

Deposits up to ₹1.5L get 80C deduction - save up to ₹46,800 tax

📈

E2: Growth

Interest earned is completely tax-free - no annual tax on gains

🎯

E3: Maturity

Entire maturity amount is tax-free - no LTCG, no TDS, nothing

How PPF Interest is Calculated

PPF interest is calculated monthly but credited annually. Understanding the calculation helps you maximize returns through strategic deposits.

PPF Interest Calculation Rule

Interest = Minimum Balance (5th to end of month) × (Annual Rate / 12)

❌ Deposit on 7th April:

No interest for April (balance was 0 on 5th)

✓ Deposit on 4th April:

Full interest for April (balance existed on 5th)

Deposit StrategyAnnual Deposit15-Year MaturityExtra Earned
Lumpsum before 5th April₹1,50,000₹40,68,209Best
Monthly before 5th₹12,500 × 12₹39,58,000-₹1.1L
Quarterly deposits₹37,500 × 4₹39,12,000-₹1.56L
Lumpsum in March₹1,50,000₹38,45,000-₹2.2L

💡 Pro Tip: Deposit your full ₹1.5L before April 5th each year to maximize interest. The timing alone can earn you ₹2+ lakhs extra over 15 years!

PPF vs Other Tax-Saving Investments

FeaturePPFELSSNPS5-Year Tax FD
Returns (Historical)7-8% (guaranteed)12-15% (market-linked)9-11% (market-linked)6-7% (fixed)
Lock-in Period15 years3 yearsTill 60 years5 years
Tax on ReturnsFully Exempt10% LTCG above ₹1L60% taxable at maturityFully taxable
Risk LevelZero (sovereign)High (equity)MediumZero (DICGC)
Max Limit₹1.5L/yearNo limit₹2L (with 80CCD)No limit
Best ForRisk-averse, long-term saversAggressive investorsAdditional tax benefit seekersSenior citizens (higher rates)

PPF Interest Rate History (Last 10 Years)

Apr 2024 - Present7.1%
Apr 2020 - Mar 20247.1%
Oct 2018 - Mar 20208.0%
Jan 2018 - Sep 20187.6%
Apr 2017 - Dec 20177.8%
Apr 2016 - Mar 20178.1%
Apr 2015 - Mar 20168.7%
Apr 2014 - Mar 20158.7%
Apr 2013 - Mar 20148.7%
Apr 2012 - Mar 20138.8%

📉 PPF rates have declined from 8.8% (2012) to 7.1% (2024) following global interest rate trends. Despite lower rates, PPF remains attractive due to EEE tax status - post-tax returns beat most alternatives.

PPF Key Features

Tax Benefits (EEE)

  • - Deposits: Tax deductible u/s 80C
  • - Interest: Tax-free
  • - Maturity: Tax-free

Investment Rules

  • - Min deposit: Rs 500/year
  • - Max deposit: Rs 1,50,000/year
  • - Lock-in: 15 years (extendable)

Withdrawal Rules

  • - Partial withdrawal: After 7 years
  • - Loan facility: 3rd to 6th year
  • - Extension: 5-year blocks

Frequently Asked Questions About PPF

What is the current PPF interest rate for 2025-26?

The PPF interest rate for Q1 FY 2025-26 is 7.1% per annum. The government revises small savings rates quarterly based on G-Sec yields. PPF rates have ranged from 7.1% to 8.7% over the past decade. Despite lower rates than EPF (8.25%), PPF offers completely tax-free returns (EEE status).

Can I open multiple PPF accounts?

No, you can have only one PPF account in your name. If you accidentally open multiple accounts, only the first account remains valid, and others must be closed. However, you can open a separate PPF account for your minor child (you as guardian). This minor account has separate Rs. 1.5L limit.

Should I invest in PPF or ELSS for tax saving?

ELSS offers higher returns (12-15% historically) but with market risk and 3-year lock-in. PPF offers guaranteed 7.1% with 15-year lock-in. For risk-averse investors or those wanting debt allocation, PPF is better. For long-term wealth creation and higher risk tolerance, ELSS wins. Many investors use both.

What happens if I miss PPF deposits in a year?

If you miss a year's deposit, the account becomes inactive. To reactivate: Pay Rs. 500 minimum deposit + Rs. 50 penalty for each year of default. You won't earn interest for the inactive years. To avoid this, set up auto-debit or pay at least Rs. 500 annually.

When should I deposit in PPF to maximize interest?

Deposit between 1st-5th of each month. PPF interest is calculated on the minimum balance between 5th and end of month. Depositing before 5th April ensures interest for the full year. A lump sum before April 5th is optimal; monthly deposits are second-best.

Can I extend PPF after 15 years?

Yes, you can extend in 5-year blocks indefinitely. Two options: 1) Extension without contribution - existing balance continues earning interest, you can withdraw any amount anytime. 2) Extension with contribution - continue investing up to Rs. 1.5L/year with 80C benefit. Decide within 1 year of maturity.

Can I take a loan against my PPF account?

Yes, from 3rd to 6th year of account opening. Loan amount: Up to 25% of balance at end of 2nd preceding year. Interest: 1% above PPF rate (currently 8.1%). Repayment: Within 36 months in lump sum or installments. After 6 years, partial withdrawal is better than loan.

What happens to PPF on account holder's death?

The nominee or legal heir receives the full maturity amount immediately, regardless of lock-in period remaining. Interest is paid till month of death. The balance is tax-free in nominee's hands. Nominee cannot continue the account - they must close and withdraw.

Is PPF better than FD for senior citizens?

Depends on tax bracket. Senior citizen FD offers 7.5-8% but interest is taxable (only Rs. 50K exemption u/s 80TTB). PPF gives 7.1% but fully tax-free. For those in 30% bracket: FD post-tax = 5.3%, PPF = 7.1%. PPF clearly wins on post-tax returns, but has longer lock-in.

Can NRIs invest in PPF?

NRIs cannot open new PPF accounts. However, accounts opened while resident can continue till maturity (15 years). Interest rate applies but no fresh deposits allowed. On maturity, account must be closed. Consider repatriating to other NRI-specific investments.

Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. Actual results may vary based on government policy changes and interest rate revisions. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized advice.

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