What is a Post Office RD Calculator?
An RD calculator estimates the maturity value of a recurring deposit, where a fixed amount is deposited every month for a set tenure. Each instalment earns interest, compounded quarterly, for the months it stays in the account.
Post Office RD Calculator projects the National Savings Recurring Deposit account, which runs for 5 years and compounds interest every quarter. It is a disciplined way to save a fixed amount each month at a government-set rate.
How does the Post Office RD Calculator work?
Each monthly instalment earns interest, compounded every quarter, for the months it stays in the account.
Maturity = Σ M × (1 + r/4)^(k/3) for k = 1 … n months
r = annual rate, M = monthly depositWorked example using the starting values on this page:
- Monthly deposit
- ₹5,000
- Interest rate (p.a.)
- 6.7%
- Tenure
- 5 years
- Total deposited
- ₹3,00,000
- Interest earned
- ₹56,829
- Maturity value
- ₹3,56,829
How to use the Post Office RD Calculator
- Enter the monthly deposit (anywhere from ₹100 to ₹10,00,000). Type it in the box or drag the slider.
- Enter the interest rate (p.a.) (anywhere from 1.0% to 12.0%). Type it in the box or drag the slider.
- Enter the tenure (anywhere from 1 year to 10 years). Type it in the box or drag the slider.
- Read the maturity value at the top of the results, then check the breakdown below it.
- Change one input at a time to compare scenarios, and note how much each change moves the result.
Benefits of using the Post Office RD Calculator
- Shows the maturity value and interest earned before you lock money in.
- Lets you compare rates, tenures and compounding frequencies side by side.
- Helps you plan around a goal date by testing different tenures.
- Free and instant, with the formula shown, so you can match it against your bank’s figures.
Mistakes to avoid with the Post Office RD Calculator
The biggest mistake is focusing only on the final maturity value without checking whether the monthly deposit is realistic to maintain throughout the term.
The most practical way to read an RD result is to compare the monthly deposit, total amount invested, and maturity value together.
Planning angles worth testing
A post office rd becomes more useful when you test it from more than one savings angle.
Higher amount, same term
Useful when you already know the time horizon and want to see whether increasing the contribution meaningfully improves the maturity value.
Same amount, longer term
Useful when the monthly or yearly saving amount is fixed and time is the easier lever to adjust.
Rate sensitivity
Useful when the quoted rate, expected return, or declared scheme rate may change and you want to understand the impact quickly.
What to verify before relying on the estimate
The calculator helps with planning, but product rules still matter.
- Latest provider rate or declared scheme rate rather than relying on an old assumption.
- Contribution limits, payout options, or lock-in rules that may affect the real outcome.
- Whether taxes, charges, or provider-specific features change the final maturity or value.
- Whether your real contribution habit matches the frequency assumed in the calculator.
Post office RD basics
Fixed term, fixed monthly amount.
- The account runs for 5 years (60 monthly deposits) and can be extended for another 5 years.
- Minimum deposit is ₹100 a month; there is no maximum.
- The rate at opening applies for the full term; interest compounds quarterly.
- A default fee applies for late deposits, and a loan of up to 50% of the balance is available after 12 instalments.
Five-year RD examples
At 6.7% for 5 years.
₹1,000 a month
About ₹71,366.
₹5,000 a month
About ₹3,56,829.
₹10,000 a month
About ₹7,13,658.
Post Office RD Calculator FAQs
What is the maturity on ₹1,000 a month in post office RD for 5 years?
At 6.7%, about ₹71,366 on ₹60,000 deposited.
How is post office RD interest calculated?
Each instalment earns interest compounded quarterly for the time it remains in the account; the maturity value adds up all the instalments with their interest.
Can I close a post office RD early?
Premature closure is allowed after 3 years; interest is then paid at the post office savings account rate.
Is post office RD interest taxable?
Yes, the interest is taxable at your slab rate.
