CD (Certificate of Deposit) Calculator
Calculate CD earnings with different terms and APYs. Compare 3-month to 5-year CDs side by side.
Total Interest Earned
$512.67
Final Balance
$10,512.67
Effective APY
5.127%
CD Summary
| Final Balance | $10,512.67 |
| Total Interest Earned | $512.67 |
| Monthly Interest (avg) | $42.72 |
| Effective APY | 5.127% |
Term Comparison
| Term | Interest | Final Balance |
|---|---|---|
| 3 mo | $125.78 | $10,125.78 |
| 6 mo | $253.13 | $10,253.13 |
| 1 yr | $512.67 | $10,512.67 |
| 2 yr | $1,051.63 | $11,051.63 |
| 3 yr | $1,618.22 | $11,618.22 |
| 5 yr | $2,840.03 | $12,840.03 |
Use the CD (Certificate of Deposit) Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
How It Works
Our CD Calculator helps you project the future value of your certificate of deposit, empowering you to make informed savings decisions. With the Federal Reserve signaling potential rate cuts in late 2025/early 2026, understanding how varying APYs (e.g., a 4.50% APY for a 1-year CD versus a 4.25% APY for a 5-year CD in mid-2026) impact your returns is crucial for maximizing your investment. Compare different term lengths and APYs side-by-side to find the best fit for your financial goals.
This calculator utilizes the compound interest formula: A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt), where A is the future value, P is the principal investment, r is the annual interest rate (APY as a decimal), n is the number of times interest is compounded per year, and t is the number of years. For CDs, n is typically 365 for daily compounding, ensuring the most accurate reflection of APY.
Remember that APYs are annual percentage yields, meaning they account for compounding. Early withdrawal penalties can significantly reduce your earnings, so always understand the terms before committing. Also, consider the impact of inflation; a 4.50% APY might feel less impactful if inflation for 2026 is projected at 3.0%, reducing your real return.
Example: Maximizing a $10,000 Investment for 2 Years
- 1 Input an initial deposit of $10,000, a CD term of 2 years, and an APY of 4.60% (a competitive rate for a 2-year CD in early 2026).
- 2 Using the formula A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt), with P=$10,000, r=0.0460, n=365, and t=2: A = $10,000 * (1 + 0.0460/365)^(365*2).
- 3 After calculating the exponent and multiplication, the future value 'A' is approximately $10,962.77.
- 4 Your $10,000 investment, earning a 4.60% APY over 2 years, will grow to $10,962.77, yielding $962.77 in interest. This demonstrates the power of compounding on your savings.
Source: SEC · Last updated: April 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CDs worth it in 2026?
What is the penalty for withdrawing a CD early?
What is a CD ladder and how does it work?
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