PPF Calculator
Estimate your Public Provident Fund returns and maturity value.
Current PPF rate: 7.1% p.a. (Q4 FY2025-26)
PPF has a 15-year lock-in, extendable in 5-year blocks.
| year | Deposit | Interest | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
What is PPF (Public Provident Fund)?
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a long-term savings scheme backed by the Government of India. It was introduced in 1968 to mobilise small savings and provide retirement security to self-employed individuals and workers in the unorganised sector.
PPF offers a fixed interest rate (currently 7.1% p.a., compounded annually) declared by the government every quarter. The minimum lock-in period is 15 years, after which the account can be extended in blocks of 5 years indefinitely. The minimum annual deposit is ₹500 and the maximum is ₹1,50,000.
PPF vs ELSS — Which is Better?
Both PPF and ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) qualify for Section 80C tax deduction, but they differ significantly:
- Returns: PPF offers fixed returns (~7.1%), while ELSS is market-linked and has historically returned 12–15% p.a. over the long term. However, ELSS returns are not guaranteed.
- Risk: PPF is risk-free with a government guarantee; ELSS carries market risk and can deliver negative returns in the short term.
- Tax on returns: PPF maturity is completely tax-free (EEE). ELSS long-term capital gains above ₹1.25 lakh per year are taxed at 12.5%.
