PPF Calculator – Public Provident Fund
Calculate maturity corpus and interest for your PPF account.
What is Public Provident Fund (PPF)?
PPF is a long-term savings scheme backed by the Government of India. It is one of the most popular retirement savings options because of its safety and tax efficiency. The scheme has a mandatory lock-in period of 15 years.
For those looking for higher market-linked returns over the long term, you might compare this with our NPS Calculator to see the difference in corpus accumulation.
How is PPF Maturity Calculated?
The calculation of your PPF maturity amount is based on three specific rules set by the government:
- Annual Compounding: Although interest is calculated every month, it is credited to your account only once a year on March 31st. This compounding effect significantly boosts your corpus over 15 years.
- Monthly Balance Rule: Interest is calculated on the lowest balance in your account between the 5th and the last day of the month.
- Timing Matters: To maximize returns, you should deposit your contribution on or before the 5th of the month. If you deposit on the 6th, you lose interest on that amount for the entire month.
Key Features of PPF
- Interest Rate: Currently 7.1% per annum (compounded annually).
- Tenure: Minimum 15 years. Can be extended in blocks of 5 years indefinitely.
- Investment Limits: Minimum ₹500 and Maximum ₹1.5 Lakh per financial year.
- Tax Status: EEE (Exempt on Investment, Exempt on Interest, Exempt on Maturity).
Is PPF Better Than Fixed Deposits?
It depends on your financial goal and liquidity needs. PPF is generally superior for long-term wealth creation due to its tax-free status. Bank FDs are fully taxable as per your income slab, which reduces the real rate of return.
However, FDs offer better liquidity (you can withdraw anytime with a penalty), whereas PPF has a strict 15-year lock-in with only partial withdrawals allowed after the 7th year.
PPF vs FD vs Mutual Funds (ELSS)
| Parameter | PPF | Bank FD | ELSS Mutual Funds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | 7.1% (Fixed) | 6-7.5% (Fixed) | 12-15% (Market Linked) |
| Tax on Returns | Tax Free | Taxed as per slab | 12.5% on gains > ₹1.25L |
| Lock-in | 15 Years | 5 Years (for tax saver) | 3 Years |
| Risk | Nil (Govt Backed) | Low | High |
See other calculators: