PPF Calculator
Calculate the maturity value of your Public Provident Fund account. See how your annual deposits, compounded at the government-set rate, grow into a fully tax-free corpus over 15 years or more.
A yearly PPF deposit of ₹1,50,000 at 7.1% for 15 years grows to a tax-free maturity value of about ₹40.68 L — earning you roughly ₹18.18 L in interest.
How the PPF Calculator works
The Public Provident Fund is a long-term government-backed savings scheme with a 15-year maturity. You deposit between ₹500 and ₹1,50,000 each financial year, and the balance compounds annually at a rate the government revises every quarter. Because both the rate and the sovereign backing are fixed, PPF offers guaranteed, risk-free growth — ideal for retirement and other long-horizon goals.
Why PPF is so tax-efficient
- Deposit — qualifies for an 80C deduction up to ₹1,50,000 a year.
- Interest — completely tax-free, unlike FD or RD interest.
- Maturity — the entire corpus is tax-free on withdrawal.
- This rare EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) status compounds your wealth untaxed.
The government-set rate
Unlike a bank FD, the PPF rate is notified by the Ministry of Finance each quarter and applies uniformly across all banks and post offices. It currently stands at 7.1% per annum. Since the rate can change, the figure shown here is a projection based on the rate you enter held constant.
Lock-in, withdrawals and extension
PPF matures 15 years after the financial year you open it. You can take partial withdrawals from the 7th year and a loan between years 3 and 6. At maturity you may close the account or extend it in 5-year blocks — with or without fresh contributions — which is why modelling a longer tenure here can show how much larger your tax-free corpus becomes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PPF interest rate right now?
The Public Provident Fund rate is set by the Government of India and revised every quarter. It currently stands at 7.1% per annum, compounded annually. Because the rate is notified by the government rather than a bank, it is the same across all banks and post offices, though it can change in future quarters.
How much can I invest in PPF each year?
You must deposit at least ₹500 and at most ₹1,50,000 in a financial year. Deposits beyond ₹1,50,000 earn no interest and get no tax benefit. You can invest as a lump sum or in up to 12 instalments per year.
What are the tax benefits of PPF?
PPF enjoys EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) status. Your annual deposit qualifies for a deduction up to ₹1,50,000 under Section 80C, the interest earned is fully tax-free, and the maturity amount is tax-free as well. This makes it one of the most tax-efficient fixed-income products in India.
What is the PPF lock-in and can I extend it?
PPF has a 15-year maturity from the end of the financial year in which the account is opened. After maturity you can extend it in blocks of 5 years, with or without further contributions, indefinitely — which is why this calculator lets you model a tenure beyond 15 years. Partial withdrawals are allowed from the 7th year, and a loan facility is available between years 3 and 6.
Can NRIs open or continue a PPF account?
NRIs cannot open a fresh PPF account. However, if you opened one while a resident and later became an NRI, you may continue contributing until the original 15-year maturity, but you cannot extend it beyond that term. On maturity, an NRI account is treated as extended without contributions and must eventually be closed.
Can I open a PPF account for my child?
Yes. A parent or guardian can open a PPF account for a minor child, but the combined deposit across your own and the minor's account cannot exceed ₹1,50,000 in a financial year for tax and interest purposes. Only one PPF account is allowed per individual; a second account in your own name is irregular and earns no interest.
PPF or ELSS — which is better for tax saving?
Both qualify for the ₹1,50,000 deduction under Section 80C in the old regime. PPF is government-backed, fully tax-free (EEE) and risk-free, but locks money for 15 years at around 7.1%. ELSS is equity-linked with just a 3-year lock-in and higher return potential, though gains above ₹1.25 lakh a year are taxed at 12.5% LTCG and returns are not guaranteed. Conservative savers prefer PPF; those comfortable with market risk often choose ELSS.
What happens to my PPF if I miss the minimum deposit?
If you do not deposit the minimum ₹500 in a financial year, the account becomes inactive. To revive it you must pay a ₹50 penalty plus the ₹500 minimum for each year it was dormant. An inactive account stops allowing loans and partial withdrawals until regularised, though it continues to earn the notified interest.
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The results shown are estimates for illustration only, based on the inputs and assumptions you provide. Actual returns, interest, and tax depend on market conditions, prevailing rates, and applicable laws, which change over time. This is not investment, tax, or financial advice — please consult a qualified advisor before making decisions.