PPF Calculator
PPF Calculator
Introduction
The PPF (Public Provident Fund) Calculator shows how your yearly contributions will grow over the 15-year maturity period through compound interest — a key tool for long-term retirement and savings planning.
How to Use
- Enter your Yearly Investment Amount (₹500 to ₹1.5 lakh allowed)
- Enter the Current PPF Interest Rate (government-revised quarterly)
- Enter your Investment Duration (minimum 15 years)
- Click "Calculate Maturity" to see your maturity amount and total interest earned
Formula Explanation
A = P × [(1+r)n – 1] / r × (1+r)
Where P = yearly contribution, r = annual interest rate, n = number of years.
Worked Example
If you invest ₹1,50,000 every year at an assumed 7.1% interest rate for the full 15-year term, your maturity corpus would be approximately ₹40.68 lakh — with your total contribution being ₹22.5 lakh, and nearly ₹18.18 lakh coming purely from compound interest.
Practical Context
PPF is a government-backed savings scheme with EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) tax status — meaning investment, interest, and maturity are all tax-free, making it one of India's most tax-efficient investment options. The government revises the interest rate quarterly (typically 7–8%). The lock-in period is 15 years, though partial withdrawal is allowed from the 7th year under certain conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What happens if I miss a yearly PPF contribution?
The account becomes inactive (though it doesn't close) if you don't deposit the minimum ₹500 — you can reactivate it by paying the minimum contribution plus a small penalty per missed year.
Q2: Is PPF better than mutual funds?
PPF offers guaranteed, tax-free returns with zero market risk, ideal for conservative long-term goals, while mutual funds carry market risk but historically offer higher potential returns — many people use both for a balanced portfolio.
Q3: Can I extend my PPF account after 15 years?
Yes, you can extend it in blocks of 5 years, with or without further contributions.
Q4: What's the minimum and maximum PPF contribution?
Minimum ₹500/year and maximum ₹1.5 lakh/year in a single financial year.
Q5: Can I take a loan against my PPF balance?
Yes, between the 3rd and 6th financial year, you can take a loan against your PPF balance.