Free CD calculator

CD Calculator
Interest & maturity value

Free certificate of deposit calculator. Estimate interest earned and final balance using deposit, APY or rate, term, and compounding — built for clear, no-signup planning.

Live Updates as you type
Most bank CDs compound daily or monthly.
Models a CD-like savings plan; many true CDs don’t allow add-ons.
Final balance
$0.00
Interest earned
$0.00
Total deposited
$0.00
Effective APY
0.00%
Term
—

Illustrative estimate only. Actual bank CD rates, compounding, and early withdrawal penalties vary.

Balance over time

Growth chart

Compare common CD terms

Same deposit & rate, different lengths
Term Final balance Interest vs your term

Growth schedule

By period
Period Deposit Interest Balance

How this CD calculator works

A CD calculator (certificate of deposit calculator) projects what your deposit could be worth at maturity. Enter your initial deposit, the APY or nominal rate, how long you’ll hold the CD, and how often interest compounds. The tool returns estimated interest earned, final balance, and a period-by-period schedule.

Use it as a CD rate calculator or CD interest calculator when comparing terms (3-month, 6-month, 1-year, 5-year) or banks. Results are illustrative only — not a quote from any bank.

Inputs map to standard compound-interest outputs—same logic as the live tool above.

CD interest formula

For standard compounding, the calculator uses the formula below. If you enter APY, we convert it to the equivalent nominal rate for your chosen compounding so the effective yield matches.

Standard retail CD math used by the Nestfigure CD calculator.

Example

Deposit $10,000 at 4.50% APY for 12 months with daily compounding. Interest earned is $450.00 and the maturity balance is $10,450.00—the same defaults you can load in the tool above.

Try these inputs in the calculator: $10,000 · 4.50% APY · 12 months · daily compounding.

Comparing terms at the same rate

Longer terms earn more interest at the same APY because money compounds longer—but you lock funds for longer. The table uses the same deposit and APY as the example above.

Illustration only · $10,000 at 4.50% effective annual yield

Formula used: balance = 10,000 × (1.045)t. This is a constant effective-annual-rate model for teaching—not a live CD rate sheet and not Regulation DD product disclosure for any bank.

Term Modeled balance Modeled interest
3 months (t = 0.25 yr) $10,110.72 $110.72
6 months (t = 0.5 yr) $10,222.50 $222.50
12 months (t = 1 yr) · baseline $10,450.00 $450.00
24 months (t = 2 yr) $10,920.25 $920.25
Arithmetic check for one year: $10,000 × 0.045 = $450; $10,000 + $450 = $10,450. Adjust inputs in the CD calculator for other assumptions.

Tips for comparing CDs

  • Compare APY, not just the headline rate, so compounding is apples-to-apples.
  • Match the term to when you’ll need the money; early withdrawal penalties can erase gains.
  • Confirm FDIC or NCUA insurance limits if safety is your priority.
  • Use the on-page term comparison table in the calculator for your own rate and deposit.
  • Read CD vs high-yield savings before locking cash you might need early.
General product-structure summary for education. Not a recommendation. Confirm terms and insurance with your institution (FDIC or NCUA as applicable).

Learn more

FAQ

CD calculator questions

How does a CD calculator work?

It estimates your certificate of deposit maturity value from deposit amount, interest rate or APY, term, and compounding frequency using standard compound interest math.

What is the difference between APY and APR on a CD?

APR (nominal rate) is the stated annual rate before compounding. APY is the effective annual yield after compounding. Banks usually advertise CDs with APY for easier comparison.

How is CD interest calculated?

Discrete compounding: A = P(1 + r/n)^(n·t). Continuous: A = P·e^(r·t). This tool supports both, plus an optional monthly deposit for add-on style planning.

Do CDs compound daily or monthly?

Many institutions compound daily or monthly. Check your product terms. You can select daily, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual, or continuous here.

Can I add money to a CD after opening it?

Most traditional CDs do not allow add-on deposits. Some products do. The monthly deposit field is optional modeling — not a guarantee your bank allows it.

What happens if I withdraw a CD early?

Early withdrawals usually incur a penalty (often months of interest). This calculator does not model penalties. Review your bank’s disclosure before withdrawing.

Is this certificate of deposit calculator free?

Yes — free, no signup. Educational estimates only, not a bank offer or financial advice.

How accurate are the results?

Formulas are standard. Day-count methods, fees, tiered rates, and promotions can change real payouts. Always confirm with your institution. See our methodology for full assumptions.

Should I use a CD or a high-yield savings account?

CDs often suit money you won’t need until a known date; savings suit emergency funds and flexible cash. Compare approaches in our CD vs savings guide.

How do I compare 6-month vs 12-month CD rates?

Enter your deposit and rate, then use the term comparison table on this page (or term presets). Longer terms only win if the rate and your timeline justify locking funds — penalties can erase gains if you exit early.

Disclaimer: Nestfigure provides educational tools only. CD rates, APYs, compounding, and penalties vary by institution and product. This is not financial, tax, or investment advice. Last updated: July 2026.

Coming next

More personal finance tools

Paycheck, raise, overtime, and credit payoff calculators — same niche, tightly connected.

About our methodology