CD Calculator

See what a certificate of deposit earns by maturity.

How do you calculate CD interest?: A CD’s APY already reflects a year of compounding, so the value at maturity is the deposit multiplied by (1 + APY) raised to the term in years — the same math as any fixed-rate lump sum.

Enter your numbers and press Calculate to see your results.

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What a CD Pays by Maturity

This calculator projects what a certificate of deposit is worth at maturity, given the amount deposited, the APY, and the term in months. Because a CD locks in one fixed rate for the whole term, the math is simpler than a variable savings account: the deposit compounds at that rate for the length of the term.

The chart shows the balance building month by month, and the sensitivity panel shows how a slightly higher or lower APY changes the payout — useful when comparing CD offers from different banks.

How this is calculated

Maturity value = Deposit · (1 + APY)^(term in years)

Assumptions

The APY holds steady for the full term (real CD rates are fixed at opening, so this matches how a real CD works).
No withdrawals or additional deposits during the term.
Early-withdrawal penalties are not included — most CDs charge one if you cash out before maturity.

Frequently asked questions

Does this include the early-withdrawal penalty?

No. Most CDs charge a penalty (often a few months of interest) if you withdraw before maturity. This calculator assumes you hold the CD for the full term.

Why use APY instead of the interest rate?

APY already accounts for compounding over a year, so it is the number that reflects what you will actually earn — use it instead of a bank’s advertised nominal rate for an apples-to-apples comparison.

What happens if I choose a term under 12 months?

The calculator still works: it raises (1 + APY) to a fractional power (term in months divided by 12), matching how a partial-year CD compounds.

What should you calculate next?

CD Calculator answers one part of the picture. These pick up where it leaves off.

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This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not personalized financial advice. Rates, taxes, and financial products change — verify with providers and qualified professionals.