PPF Calculator
Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a popular long-term savings-cum-tax-saving instrument in India. Use this tool to estimate your maturity corpus.
PPF Calculation
₹40,68,208
PPF interest rates are reviewed by the Government of India every quarter. This calculation is based on the current rate of 7.1%.
Understanding PPF (Public Provident Fund)
The Public Provident Fund is a government-backed savings scheme designed to provide retirement security to Indian citizens. It offers attractive interest rates and tax benefits, making it a favorite among conservative investors.
Lock-in Period
15 years is the mandatory lock-in. Extensions are possible in 5-year blocks.
Tax Benefit
EEE status: Deduction under 80C, tax-free interest, and tax-free maturity.
Safety
Government-backed, meaning your principal and interest are 100% safe.
How to use the PPF Calculator?
- Enter Yearly Investment: Move the slider or use chips to set how much you plan to invest annually (Max ₹1.5L).
- Set Interest Rate: The default is set to the current rate (7.1%), but you can adjust it for projections.
- Select Tenure: Choose the number of years. The minimum is 15.
- Review Results: Instantly see your total investment, total interest, and maturity amount.
PPF vs ELSS vs NPS: Which to Choose?
- PPF: Zero risk, government-backed, 7.1% guaranteed, 15-year lock-in. Best for risk-averse investors.
- ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme): Market-linked returns (historically 12-15%), only 3-year lock-in, but capital gains tax of 10% on gains above ₹1 lakh. Best for aggressive long-term investors.
- NPS (National Pension System): Market-linked, 60% corpus tax-free at retirement. Best for retirement planning with additional ₹50,000 deduction under 80CCD(1B).
PPF Withdrawal Rules — Partial and Full
- Partial Withdrawal (Year 7 onwards): Up to 50% of balance at end of 4th year or previous year (whichever is lower). Only one withdrawal allowed per year.
- Premature Closure (After 5 years): Allowed for: serious illness of account holder or family, higher education of children. 1% interest penalty is levied.
- Full Maturity Withdrawal (After 15 years): Entire amount (principal + interest) is withdrawn tax-free.
- Extension: After 15 years, extend in 5-year blocks. Contributions continue to earn interest and qualify for 80C deduction.
How to Maximize Your PPF Returns
- Deposit before the 5th of April each financial year — PPF interest is calculated on the lowest balance between the 5th and last day of each month, so early deposits earn more.
- Make a lump sum deposit at the start (April 1-5) rather than monthly installments to maximize interest earned.
- Open accounts for your spouse and minor children — each can have a separate PPF account with ₹1.5 lakh annual limit.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current interest rate for PPF?
As of the current quarter of 2026, the PPF interest rate is 7.1% per annum. This rate is reviewed and set by the Government of India every quarter.
Can I extend my PPF account after 15 years?
Yes, you can extend your PPF account indefinitely in blocks of 5 years after the initial 15-year maturity period. You can choose to extend with or without further deposits.
What is the maximum amount I can invest in PPF per year?
The maximum investment allowed in a PPF account is Rs. 1,50,000 per financial year. The minimum investment required is Rs. 500.
Is PPF interest tax-free?
Yes, PPF follows the EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) tax regime. The amount invested, the interest earned, and the maturity amount are all exempt from income tax under Section 80C.
When is PPF interest calculated and credited?
Interest is calculated on the lowest balance in the account between the close of the 5th day and the end of the month. However, the interest is credited to the account annually at the end of each financial year (March 31st).
What is the current PPF interest rate for 2026?
The PPF interest rate for the current quarter of 2026 is 7.1% per annum, compounded annually. The government reviews and sets this rate every quarter. It has remained at 7.1% since April 2020.
What is the PPF lock-in period and can I withdraw early?
PPF has a mandatory 15-year lock-in period. Partial withdrawal is allowed from the 7th year onwards (up to 50% of the balance at the end of the 4th year or the preceding year, whichever is lower). Full premature closure is allowed after 5 years only for specific medical or educational needs.
What is the PPF tax treatment (EEE status)?
PPF enjoys triple tax exemption (EEE — Exempt, Exempt, Exempt): (1) Contributions up to ₹1.5 lakh per year are deductible under Section 80C, (2) Annual interest earned is fully exempt from income tax, (3) The entire maturity amount at the end of 15 years is completely tax-free. This makes PPF one of the best risk-free tax-saving instruments.
Can I extend my PPF account after 15 years?
Yes. After the 15-year maturity, you can extend in blocks of 5 years — either with or without fresh contributions. If extended with contributions, the same interest rate and 80C deductions continue. If extended without contributions, the balance continues to earn interest but you can only make one withdrawal per year.
What is the minimum and maximum yearly contribution to PPF?
The minimum deposit is ₹500 per year (to keep the account active) and the maximum is ₹1,50,000 per year. You can make up to 12 deposits in a financial year. Note: Contributions above ₹1.5 lakh do not earn interest and get no tax deduction.