What will your PPF be worth at maturity?

7.1% a year for October to December 2026, the same rate it has had since April 2020. The government sets it every quarter, so the calculator lets you change it.

Interest is worked out each month on the lowest balance between the 5th and the last day of the month, and credited once a year at the end of March. Money deposited by the 5th earns interest for that month; money deposited after the 5th does not. That is why depositing the year's amount by 5 April earns the most.

At least ₹500 and at most ₹1.5 lakh in a financial year. The limit covers all PPF accounts you hold in your own name and those you open for minor children.

You can close the account and take the full balance, or extend it in blocks of five years, with or without new deposits. The calculator assumes you keep depositing during extensions.

They do different jobs. PPF gives a government-backed rate and tax-free interest, with a long lock-in. An equity fund can grow faster over long periods, but its value rises and falls and the gains are taxed. The comparison row uses an assumed return, not a promise.