Wait!! Get FREE Share Investment Account

Zero Brokerage on Equity Delivery! Join 1+ crore investors & traders! Open Trading & Demat Account Online @ Zerodha: No.1 Discount Broker in India

Open FREE Instant Online Account Now
X
    Categories: Investment

Fixed Deposit Calculator: How to Calculate Interest on Your FDs?

Are you stumped by the interest calculations on fixed deposit? In this post, we will make you understand how to calculate returns earned on your FD? Or we can say, you’ll know how an Fixed Deposit Interest Calculator or an FD calculator works? Don’t worry, if you have never laid hands on Fixed Deposit Calculator before! You’ll learn to work on one after reading this post. We are there to help you.

Let’s start counting your dimes!

A Brief Intro To Fixed Deposits

A fixed deposit has evolved as the secure investment option for risk-averse personalities in India. Money attracts everyone, but few of us are ready to take financial risks. Most people decide to invest in FD account, as it comes with fixed earnings without any financial risk. We can say, it is a safe investment that will preserve your capital!

Let’s Jump To Returns

A saving scheme without risk will offer your guaranteed earnings, but these earnings will be lower than equity or other investment schemes. But still, fixed deposit interest rates are higher than saving accounts. You lock down the amount for a fixed period, after completing the tenure, a bank will reward you with pre-defined returns!

Current Interest Rate On Fixed Deposits

As said before, interest rates are fixed but vary from bank to bank. Right now, banks are offering rates between 6 – 9%, but not more than that! For senior citizens, banks offer better interest rates on FDs.

The FD Interest rates usually vary from bank to bank based on the type and tenure of fixed deposit. This implies, if you invest in FD with a longer maturity period, you could fetch better returns as compared to a short term FD.

Also have a look at Fixed Deposit Double Scheme

How To Use A Fixed Deposit Calculator?

The majority of people have no clue about calculating fixed deposit interest or total investment at maturity. Because people simply use the percentage formula to find out interest earned. That’s completely wrong approach!

Before starting with the calculator, you need to understand a concept of compound interest!

Here we are dealing with two types of simple and compound interest. In simple words, the interest amount remains same throughout the maturity period in case of simple interest.

On the other hand, we apply the percentage of previous balance (including interest) from last year.

Still Confused? Let’s Just Calculate It!

Simple Interest Simplified

Simple interest is always determined based on the initial investment only.
Let’s suppose,
Fixed deposit amount = Rs. 1,000
Tenure = 3 years
Interest Rate = 10% per annum

1st Year: Rs. 1,000 x 10% = Rs. 100
2nd Year: Rs. 1,000 x 10% = Rs. 100
3rd Year: Rs. 1,000 x 10% = Rs. 100

Total Interest Earned = Rs. 300
Total Maturity Amount = Rs. 1,000 + Rs. 300 = Rs. 1,300

Compound Interest Simplified

Let’s Deal With Compound Interest…

Here, we will apply percentage on both principal and earned interest.
Taking the data from the previous example!

1st Year: Rs. 1,000 x 10% = Rs. 100
2nd Year: Rs. (1,000 + 100) x 10% = Rs. 110
3rd Year: Rs. (1,100 + 110) x 10% = Rs. 121

Total Interest Earned = Rs. 331
Total Maturity Amount = Rs. 1,331

Simple Math, and you can yourself get the results.

Did you get the point? This is how simple interest and compound interest is calculated.FD

Now, you get it, these fixed deposits have an edge of compound interest! In most of the banks, FD interest is compounded quarterly. Hence, you always end with a handsome maturity amount with safety!

But, if you wish to diversify your investments, you may have a look at Best Long Term Investments in India.

You can save your time by using online fixed deposit calculators. Just Google it and hit on top results! They will work fine! Otherwise, you just have learned how to find out maturity amount! You surely can get an idea as how much you’ll earn on the amount you invested in a fixed deposit. For any queries, feel free to discuss.

Harleen Kaur: A Chartered Accountant with 14+ years of experience in the Corporate world. A Finance & technology (a fintech) enthusiast, a passionate financial blogger, Founder @ Fintrakk.com and a Finance FAQ Portal. In short, a CA, a Bachelor of Commerce whose very foundation has been learning about finance. I am actively contributing towards the financial literacy goal through my business ventures and spreading awareness in the dynamic field of finance, investment, stock market, money savings, career and a lot more. Reading, learning & sharing interesting information, this is what I enjoy!! I have researched and written hundreds of blogs on Indian financial topics! Now, expanding my blogging horizon towards Personal Finance in Canada, and USA as well.
Related Post