Finance calculators

RD Calculator

Updated Aug 31, 2026 By Jehan Wadia
Rate Formulas
Recurring Deposit Details
Between ₹500 and ₹1,00,000.
Between 1% and 15% per annum.
Choose how often interest is compounded.
Time Period (Tenure)
Total tenure (drag to adjust in months): 24 months

Your RD Summary

Invested Amount
₹1,20,000
Estimated Returns
₹0
Total Maturity Value
₹0
Projected Maturity:

Maturity Breakdown

Step-by-Step Solution

Growth Breakdown


Introduction

A Recurring Deposit (RD) is a simple way to save money each month and earn interest on it. You put in a fixed amount every month, and the bank pays you interest on your growing balance. At the end of the term, you get back all the money you saved plus the interest it earned.

This RD calculator helps you find out exactly how much your monthly deposits will grow over time. Enter your monthly investment amount, the interest rate, how often interest is compounded, and how long you plan to save. The calculator instantly shows your total invested amount, estimated returns, and maturity value. It also gives you a step-by-step breakdown of the math and a chart so you can see how your money grows.

Use this tool before you open a recurring deposit so you can pick the right amount and tenure for your savings goal.

How to Use Our RD Calculator

Enter a few details about your recurring deposit below. The calculator will show you the total amount you invest, the interest you earn, and your final maturity value.

Monthly Investment: Type or slide to set the amount you plan to deposit each month. You can enter any value from ₹500 to ₹1,00,000.

Expected Rate of Interest: Enter the annual interest rate your bank offers on the recurring deposit. You can set a rate between 1% and 15%.

Compounding Frequency: Pick how often the bank adds interest to your balance. Most banks use quarterly compounding, but you can choose daily, weekly, monthly, semi-annual, or yearly.

Time Period: Set how long you want to keep the RD open. Enter the tenure in years, months, and days, or drag the slider to pick the total number of months. The minimum tenure is 3 months.

Click Calculate to see your results. Click Reset to clear all fields and start over.

What Is a Recurring Deposit (RD)?

A Recurring Deposit, or RD, is a savings plan offered by banks and post offices in India. You put in a fixed amount of money every month for a set period of time. In return, the bank pays you interest on your savings. When the RD matures, you get back all the money you deposited plus the interest earned. It is one of the safest ways to save money over time.

How Does an RD Work?

Each month, you deposit the same amount into your RD account. The bank adds interest to your balance based on a rate it promises you when you open the account. This interest compounds, which means you earn interest on your past interest too. The more months you save, the more interest you earn. Most banks compound interest quarterly, but some do it monthly or even daily.

How to Use This RD Calculator

This RD calculator helps you find out how much money you will have when your recurring deposit matures. Enter your monthly deposit amount, the interest rate your bank offers, how often interest compounds, and the total time period. The calculator instantly shows your total invested amount, the interest you earn, and your final maturity value. It also gives you a month-by-month or year-by-year breakdown so you can see exactly how your money grows.

Who Should Use an RD?

An RD is a good choice for people who want to save a little bit every month without taking any risk. It works well for salaried workers, students, or anyone building a savings habit. Since the interest rate is fixed when you open the account, you know exactly how much you will get at the end. Unlike stocks or mutual funds, your money in an RD is not affected by market ups and downs.

Key Things to Know About Recurring Deposits

  • Minimum deposit: Most banks let you start an RD with as little as ₹500 per month.
  • Tenure: You can open an RD for as short as 6 months or as long as 10 years, depending on the bank.
  • Interest rates: RD rates usually range from 5% to 8% per year. Senior citizens often get a slightly higher rate.
  • Tax: The interest you earn from an RD is taxable. If total interest in a year crosses ₹40,000 (₹50,000 for senior citizens), the bank deducts TDS.
  • Penalty for missed payments: If you skip a monthly payment, the bank may charge a small penalty or close your account.
  • Premature withdrawal: You can close an RD early, but the bank will usually pay a lower interest rate and may charge a penalty.

RD vs Fixed Deposit: What Is the Difference?

In a Fixed Deposit (FD), you invest a lump sum of money all at once. In a Recurring Deposit, you invest a small amount every month. Both earn a fixed interest rate. An RD is better if you do not have a large amount to invest right away but can save a fixed sum each month. An FD is better if you already have a big amount ready to invest.


Formulas used

Maturity value of each installment
M_i = P \left(1 + \frac{r}{n}\right)^{n \cdot t_i}
Remaining compounding time for installment i
t_i = T - \frac{i - 1}{12}
Total Maturity Value
M = \sum_{i=1}^{N} P \left(1 + \frac{r}{n}\right)^{n \cdot t_i}
Total Invested Amount
\text{Invested} = P \times N
Estimated Returns
\text{Returns} = M - P \times N

Frequently asked questions

Can I change my monthly deposit amount during an RD?

No. In a standard recurring deposit, the monthly deposit amount stays the same for the entire tenure. You choose the amount when you open the account, and you must deposit that exact amount every month until maturity.

What happens if I miss a monthly RD payment?

If you miss a payment, the bank may charge a small penalty fee. If you miss payments for several months in a row, the bank can close your RD account. The penalty amount and rules differ from bank to bank, so check with your bank before opening an RD.

Is the interest earned on an RD taxable?

Yes. Interest earned from a recurring deposit is added to your total income and taxed at your income tax slab rate. If the total interest in a financial year exceeds ₹40,000 (or ₹50,000 for senior citizens), the bank will deduct TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on the interest.

What is the minimum and maximum tenure for an RD?

This calculator allows a tenure from 3 months to 25 years. In practice, most banks offer RD tenures between 6 months and 10 years. Post office RDs typically have a fixed 5-year tenure. Check your bank for the exact tenure options available.

Can I withdraw my RD money before maturity?

Yes, most banks allow premature withdrawal of an RD. However, the bank will usually pay a lower interest rate than what was originally promised and may also charge a penalty fee. The exact terms vary by bank.

Why does quarterly compounding give less return than monthly compounding?

With monthly compounding, the bank adds interest to your balance 12 times a year. With quarterly compounding, it adds interest only 4 times a year. When interest is added more often, you start earning interest on that new interest sooner, which leads to slightly higher returns over the same period.

How is an RD different from a SIP in mutual funds?

Both involve investing a fixed amount every month. However, an RD gives a fixed, guaranteed interest rate with no risk to your principal. A SIP invests in mutual funds, where returns depend on the stock or bond market and are not guaranteed. An RD is safer, while a SIP has the potential for higher returns over the long term but also carries risk.

What is the best compounding frequency to choose?

You should choose the compounding frequency that matches what your bank actually uses. Most Indian banks compound RD interest quarterly. Choosing a different option in the calculator will change the result, but it will not change what your bank actually pays. Ask your bank which frequency they use and select that option for the most accurate estimate.

How much should I invest in an RD every month?

That depends on your savings goal and monthly budget. A good approach is to decide your target amount and work backward. Enter different monthly amounts in the calculator and adjust the tenure until the maturity value matches your goal. Make sure the monthly amount is something you can comfortably pay every month without missing installments.