PPF Calculator
Calculate the tax-free maturity amount of your Public Provident Fund (PPF) investments.
Public Provident Fund (PPF) Projection
PPF is a 15-year government savings account with EEE tax treatment: deposits (within limits), annual interest, and maturity are tax-free for eligible investors. Interest is set quarterly and credited once a year on 31 March.
How to use this calculator
Enter yearly or monthly deposits within the ₹1.5 lakh annual cap. Amounts above the cap do not earn interest even if the bank accepts them.
Deposits between the 1st and 5th of a month earn interest for the full month because PPF interest uses the lowest balance from the 5th to month-end. A lump sum in early April often beats twelve late-month instalments on the same total.
Model the default 15-year block first. After maturity you can extend in five-year stretches with or without fresh contributions. Extensions change liquidity but keep tax-free status.
Compare PPF with ELSS or tax-saving FD only after you accept the lock-in. Partial withdrawals begin from year 7 under limits. PPF suits long goals where safety and tax-free compounding matter more than liquidity.
One PPF account per individual is allowed. If you hold an account from childhood, continue it rather than opening a duplicate at another bank. Transfers between authorised banks and post offices are permitted with form submission.
PPF maturity formula
F = P × [((1 + i)^n − 1) / i] P = annual deposit i = annual interest rate (decimal) n = number of years of deposits Example: ₹1.2 lakh deposited each year for 15 years at 7.1%. Estimated maturity ≈ ₹32.5 lakh on ₹18 lakh contributed. Actual PPF uses monthly lowest-balance interest with annual crediting. April-to-April deposits slightly beat end-of-month patterns on the same annual total.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PPF lock-in?
Initial maturity is 15 years from opening. You can extend in blocks of five years indefinitely after that.
When should I deposit for maximum interest?
Between the 1st and 5th of the month, ideally early April for the full financial year. Interest uses the lowest balance between the 5th and month-end.
Can courts attach PPF?
No. PPF balances are protected from attachment under the PPF Act, which makes it a secure long-term bucket.
Can I open PPF for a minor?
Yes, with a guardian as operator. Combined parent and child contributions cannot exceed ₹1.5 lakh per financial year across both accounts.
What if I skip a year?
The account goes inactive without the ₹500 minimum deposit. Revive with ₹500 per missed year plus ₹50 penalty per missed year.
PPF vs ELSS for 80C?
PPF is fixed return and tax-free at maturity but locked 15 years. ELSS has market risk, shorter lock-in, but returns are not guaranteed.
Is PPF interest taxable?
No for standard accounts within limits. Interest on contributions above ₹2.5 lakh per year in EPF/VPF has separate rules; PPF annual cap keeps most savers fully tax-free.
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