How to use the PPF calculator
Enter how much you will deposit each financial year (₹500 to ₹1.5 lakh), the interest rate and how long you will keep the account. PPF matures after 15 years and can be extended in blocks of 5 years.
Investing the maximum ₹1.5 lakh every year at 7.1% gives about ₹40.68 lakh after 15 years, of which ₹22.5 lakh is your deposits. Extend for 5 more years and it reaches about ₹66.58 lakh; after 25 years, about ₹1.03 crore.
How PPF interest works
Interest is calculated on the lowest balance between the 5th and the last day of each month, and added to your account on 31 March every year. That is why depositing before 5 April earns interest on the full amount for the whole year. The calculator assumes you deposit by 5 April each year.
Balance at year end = (opening balance + deposit) × (1 + rate)
PPF rules at a glance
| Interest rate | 7.1% a year (October–December 2026), reviewed quarterly |
|---|---|
| Deposit | ₹500 to ₹1.5 lakh per financial year |
| Lock-in | 15 years; extend in 5-year blocks |
| Loan | From the 3rd to the 6th financial year |
| Partial withdrawal | From the 7th financial year |
| Tax | Interest and maturity tax-free; deposits qualify for 80C in the old regime |
Missing the ₹500 minimum in any year makes the account inactive. You can revive it by paying ₹50 for each missed year along with the minimum deposits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current PPF interest rate?
PPF pays 7.1% a year for October–December 2026. The rate has been unchanged since April 2020 and is reviewed by the government every quarter.
How is PPF interest calculated?
Interest is worked out every month on the lowest balance between the 5th and the end of the month, and credited once a year on 31 March. Depositing by 5 April gets interest on the full year’s deposit, which is what this calculator assumes.
How much can I invest in PPF?
At least ₹500 and at most ₹1.5 lakh in a financial year, in one go or in instalments.
Can I extend PPF after 15 years?
Yes. You can extend it any number of times in blocks of 5 years, with or without fresh deposits. Apply within one year of maturity.
Is PPF tax-free?
Yes. Under the old regime, deposits qualify for the Section 80C deduction, and in both regimes the interest and maturity amount are fully tax-free.
Can I withdraw from PPF before 15 years?
Partial withdrawal is allowed from the 7th financial year. Loans against PPF are available from the 3rd to the 6th year. Early closure is allowed after 5 years for reasons such as serious illness or higher education.
Last reviewed: 13-10-2026. Rates and rules are checked against official sources; tell us if something has changed. Contact