CD Calculator (Certificate of Deposit)
See what a certificate of deposit will be worth at maturity. Enter your deposit, APY and term to get the ending value and interest — compared to the national-average CD rate.
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Learn moreHow CDs work
A certificate of deposit locks your money for a fixed term in exchange for a fixed, usually higher, APY. You generally cannot withdraw early without a penalty, so CDs suit money you will not need until maturity. Because the rate is fixed, the maturity value is known the day you deposit. Online banks often pay far more than the national average.
How it’s calculated & sources
Maturity value = deposit × (1 + APY)^(term in years). Interest = maturity value − deposit. APY already reflects compounding, so it is applied directly. Compared to the FDIC national-average 1-year CD rate.
Benchmark: FDIC national average 1-year CD about 1.8 percent; top online CDs pay roughly 4 to 5 percent APY (2026).
Results update as you type and are general estimates, not personalized advice. Verify with a professional.
Worked example
$10,000 in a 12-month CD at 4.5% APY grows to $10,450 — $450 of interest, well above what a ~1.8% average CD would pay.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I withdraw early?
Most CDs charge an early-withdrawal penalty of a few months interest, which can eat into or exceed what you earned.
Is a CD better than a high-yield savings account?
A CD locks the rate so it will not drop, but savings stays liquid. Use a CD for money with a known time horizon.
Are CDs safe?
CDs at FDIC-insured banks are covered up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, so principal is protected within limits.