FD / term deposit calculator

Calculate the maturity amount and interest earned on a fixed or term deposit in any currency.

Maturity amount
Interest earned
Effective yield

How FD maturity is calculated

A Fixed Deposit (FD) is a financial instrument where you deposit a lump sum with a bank for a fixed tenure at a guaranteed interest rate. The maturity value depends on whether interest is compounded or paid out periodically.

For compounding FDs, the formula is A = P × (1 + r/n)nt, where P is the principal, r is the annual rate, n is the compounding frequency (quarterly is most common for bank FDs), and t is the tenure in years. For a ₹1,00,000 FD at 7% for 3 years compounded quarterly: A = ₹1,00,000 × (1 + 0.07/4)12 ≈ ₹1,23,144. The total interest earned is ₹23,144.

FDs are low-risk instruments guaranteed by deposit insurance (up to ₹5 lakh in India per bank). The trade-off is lower returns compared to equity. They are ideal for capital preservation, emergency funds, or short-to-medium term goals where capital safety is paramount.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Fixed Deposit?

A Fixed Deposit (FD) is a savings instrument offered by banks where you deposit a fixed sum for a predetermined period at a guaranteed interest rate. The bank pays you interest, and you receive the full principal plus interest at maturity.

How is FD interest calculated?

Most bank FDs compound interest quarterly. The formula is A = P × (1 + r/n)^(nt), where P is principal, r is annual rate, n is compounding frequency, and t is years. Some FDs offer simple interest paid monthly or quarterly instead of compounding.

Is FD better than SIP for investing?

FDs are safer with guaranteed returns but lower potential gains (typically 6–8%). SIPs in equity mutual funds carry market risk but have historically returned 10–14% over the long term. FDs suit short-term goals or risk-averse investors; SIPs suit long-term wealth creation.

What happens with premature FD withdrawal?

Most banks allow premature withdrawal but charge a penalty of 0.5–1% reduction in the interest rate, and you receive interest only for the period the money was deposited. Some tax-saving FDs have a mandatory 5-year lock-in period.

Related tools

SIP calculator → Compound interest → EMI calculator →