The interest rate depends on the tenor you choose. However, the FD rate of interest is fixed at the outset of the investment and remains unchanged throughout the tenor. If you withdraw your FD before the end of the tenor, the issuer will likely lower the interest rate as a penalty.
If you wish to calculate the interest on your FD, you can use a fixed deposit calculator. However, having an understanding of how banks and NBFCs calculate your interest will help you determine your returns.
Read on to learn more about how issuers compute the interest on your FD.
How Issuers Calculate Interest on Fixed Deposits
The method to calculate interest on fixed deposits depends on the type of FD investment. There are two types of FD accounts: simple interest and compound interest. Here is the formula to calculate interest in both ways:Simple Interest
You can calculate the interest on a simple interest fixed deposit using the following formula:M = P + (P x R x T/100)
Here,
M is the amount at the time of maturity
P is the principal amount
R is the rate of interest
T is the tenor year
For an instance, if you invest ₹1 Lakh in a simple interest FD with a tenor of 3 years offering an interest rate of 7% p.a., the maturity amount at the end of the tenor would be:
M = 1,00,000 + (1,00,000 x 7 x 3 / 100)
M = ₹1,21,000
Compound Interest
There are also certain types of FDs where the interest earned is compounded annually. Here is how you can calculate the maturity amount for compound interest FDs:M = P + P {(1 + I/100) T – 1}
Here,
M is the amount at the time of maturity
P is the principal amount
I is the rate of interest per period
T is the tenure
For example, if your investment terms are the same as the above-mentioned SI FD example, then the maturity amount for compound interest FD will be:
M = 1,00,000 + 1,00,000 {(1 + 7/100) 3 – 1}
M = ₹1,22,504
As you can see, an FD with compounding interest gives you higher returns than an FD with simple interest.
How to Calculate Interest on Fixed Deposits via a Fixed Deposit Calculator
While you can use the above-mentioned formulas to calculate your FD interest, this process may not be free from manual error. In addition, if you are comparing multiple FDs, this method can also be quite tedious and lengthy.However, to calculate your FD interest quickly and without manual errors, you can use a fixed deposit calculator, which is available online. This is a simple digital tool that gives you estimates of your maturity amount and interest earned in just a few minutes.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a fixed deposit calculator.
Step 1: Visit a fixed deposit calculator webpage (available on most issuers’ website or app)Step 2: Choose the FD type and investor type
Step 3: Enter the investment amount and tenor
Step 4: Select the interest rate (some calculators may fill the rate automatically)
Step 5: Click on submit
Once you submit these details, the page will display an estimate of your earnings. You can then adjust the terms to understand the ideal terms. For example, you can even calculate a ₹1 Lakh fixed deposit’s interest per month. All you need to do is choose the monthly payout option and tweak the numbers until you get the desired figure.
Advantages of Using a Fixed Deposit Calculator for Computing Interest
Here are the advantages that you can enjoy by using a fixed deposit calculator:- A fixed deposit calculator provides accurate calculations
- As opposed to manual methods, you can get results instantly, within seconds
- Most fixed deposit calculators are free to use and have no restrictions
- Since they are available online, calculations are quite easy and convenient to access
Factors that Affect Fixed Deposit Interest Rates
Interest rates directly impact your earnings on an FD investment. To maximise your returns, it is crucial to know about the factors that influence these rates. Here are some factors that impact the rate of interest on fixed deposits:Repo Rate
The primary factor that influences spikes or falls in FD interest rates is the repo rate decided by the Reserve Bank of India. It is the rate at which the central bank lends money to other banks and has a directly proportional relationship with FD interest rates. However, keep in mind that once you book an FD, any fluctuations in the repo rate will not affect your FD rate.
Investment Horizon
As mentioned earlier, FDs with longer tenors generally have higher interest rates. For instance, you may get 7% interest on an FD for 12 months. On the other hand, most FD issuers offer an interest rate of over 8% p.a. on a longer tenor of about 60 months.
It is also important to note that some FD issuers offer the best interest rates for special tenors. For example, the Bajaj Finance FD offers up to 8.60% as the interest rate for a tenor of 44 months. However, for 60 months, the interest rate is up to 8.30%.
FD and Investor Type
The type of FD investment also impacts the interest rate on your investment. This is because cumulative FDs offer higher interest rates as compared to non-cumulative FDs.
Therefore, if you opt for a ₹1 Lakh fixed deposit to earn interest per month, it will be less rewarding. Whereas, opting for payout at maturity could fetch you better returns.
Also, remember that most issuers offer higher interest rates to senior citizens. Generally, investors who are 60 or above can enjoy 0.25% to 0.75% higher interest rates than non-senior citizen investors.
Now that you know how FD issuers calculate your interest gains, be sure to calculate yours before investing. This will allow you to choose the right investment terms and ensure that you have the required funding to meet your goals.
With the fixed deposit calculator available online, you can easily get an estimate in minutes. However, remember that the actual earnings may vary due to taxes and when the FD compounding is done by the financial institution. So, it is best to keep a buffer while investing.
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