How is Fixed Deposit Interest Calculated?

Calculate fixed deposit interest by multiplying principal, interest rate, and tenure. Use Bajaj Finance FD calculator to get accurate results!
4 mins
01 March 2023

Fixed Deposit (FD) is a sound and reliable investment tool for growing your savings. The rate of interest on your deposit depends on the tenure you choose, and the frequency of interest payouts.

Types of Interest on Fixed Deposits

Fixed Deposits (FDs) typically offer two types of interest rates: Simple Interest and Compound Interest.

1. Simple Interest: In this type of FD, interest is calculated only on the principal amount and paid out at regular intervals (monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.). The interest amount remains constant throughout the tenure.

For example:
Let us assume,

  • Principal Amount (P) = Rs. 100,000
  • Rate of Interest (R) = 6% per annum
  • Time Period (T) = 2 years

Simple Interest (SI) can be calculated as:
SI = (P * R * T) / 100
SI = (1,00,000 * 6 * 2) / 100 = Rs. 12,000

So, for a fixed deposit of Rs. 1,00,000 at a simple interest rate of 6% per annum for 2 years, the interest earned is Rs. 12,000.

2. Compound Interest: Compound interest is calculated on both the principal amount and the accumulated interest. It leads to higher returns compared to simple interest. Interest can be compounded at different frequencies, such as annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly.

For example:
Let us assume,

  • Principal Amount (P) = Rs. 1,00,000
  • Rate of Interest (R) = 6% per annum (compounded annually)
  • Time Period (T) = 2 years

Compound Interest (CI) can be calculated using the formula:
A = P(1 + (R/N))^(N*T)

Where:
A = Total Amount
P = Principal Amount
R = Rate of Interest
N = Number of times interest is compounded per year
T = Time Period in years

Let's assume the interest is compounded annually (N = 1):
A = 100,000 * (1 + (0.06/1))^(1*2)
A = 100,000 * (1.06)^2 ≈ Rs. 112,360

The interest earned (CI) is the difference between the total amount (A) and the principal amount (P):
CI = A – P
CI = Rs. 1,12,360 - Rs. 1,00,000 = Rs. 12,360

So, for a fixed deposit of Rs. 1,00,000 at a compound interest rate of 6% per annum (compounded annually) for 2 years, the interest earned is approximately Rs. 12,360.

How is Fixed Deposit Interest Calculated?

The FD formula for the calculation of interest is shown below:

A = P(1 + (R/N))^(N*T)

Where:
A = Total Amount
P = Principal Amount
R = Rate of Interest
N = Number of times interest is compounded per year
T = Time Period in years

Why should you use the FD calculator?

Using a FD calculator is beneficial for several reasons:

  • Accurate projections: An FD calculator gives you an estimate of the interest you can expect to receive on your investment, based on the principal amount, interest rate, and tenure. This helps you to plan your investments more accurately.
  • Comparison tool: You can use an FD calculator to compare the returns from different fixed deposit schemes offered by different financial institutions and make an informed investment decision.
  • Convenient and fast: An FD calculator provides quick and easy calculations, saving your time and effort compared to manual calculations.
  • Helps with budgeting: An FD calculator can help you determine the amount you need to save each month to reach your financial goals.
  • Shows the impact of compounding: An FD calculator shows the impact of compounding on your returns, helping you understand how reinvesting your interest can grow your savings over time.

In conclusion, an FD calculator is a valuable tool that can help you make informed investment decisions, plan your budget, and reach your financial goals.

How to use FD calculator to calculate interest?

Using the FD calculator is very easy, and all you need to do is to enter the fixed deposit amount and tenure to calculate the amount receivable at maturity. It helps you calculate both – cumulative and non-cumulative payouts.
Follow the below step-by-step process to calculate your interest:

1. Choose the customer type: senior citizen or customer below 60 years of age
2. Choose the investment amount between Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 5 crore
3. Choose the tenure from 12-60 months
4. Select the frequency payout option: On maturity, monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly

Based on the above selections you can see the interest rate applicable on your investment, total interest rate during your tenure, and maturity amount. It helps you save the manual work, and you can determine the return on your investment in no time.

How to Calculate Monthly Interest with an FD Calculator?

To calculate monthly interest using the Bajaj Finserv FD Calculator, follow these steps:

  • Visit the Bajaj Finserv FD calculator page
  • Select your profile as a senior citizen or customer below the age of 60
  • Enter the amount you plan to invest
  • Select the deposit tenure
  • Choose your preferred mode of interest payout as on maturity, monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly

Using the Bajaj Finserv FD Calculator helps you make informed decisions regarding your investment by providing a clear understanding of the interest earnings based on your chosen parameters.

How are returns on your deposits calculated?

Calculating the return on your fixed deposit investment might seem tedious when one has to deal with large numbers. But knowing the right way to estimate would allow one to have higher returns at the end of the investment tenure. The interest payoff on FD’s maturity depends on the interest rate offered by the bank and the frequency of payoffs. The return on the principal amount invested is computed in two ways. One by simple interest, whereby the interest is earned only on the principal amount. Another by compound interest wherein interest is compounded, i.e., interest is earned on both, the principal amount and accrued interest. In the case of compound interest, the amount payable at maturity is higher, since interest is calculated on the principal amount and interest accrued on it.

How to maximise the returns on your deposit?

To maximise the returns on your deposit, it is important to know the factors affecting your FD interest and amount. To maximise returns on your deposit, consider the following strategies:

  • Look for the highest interest rate: Compare interest rates offered by different banks and financial institutions to choose the one that offers the highest interest rate.
  • Invest for a longer tenure: Generally, a longer tenure results in a higher interest rate, hence consider investing for a longer period of time.
  • Opt for compounding: Choose a fixed deposit that offers the option of compounding, where interest earned is reinvested and generates more interest, resulting in higher returns.
  • Diversify your portfolio: Do not put all your eggs in one basket, consider investing in different fixed deposit schemes to diversify your portfolio and minimise the risk of loss.

Before investing in a fixed deposit, consider the credit rating of the financial institution and the stability of the economy, as these factors can impact the safety of your investment.

Based on your convenience, and the above factors, you can choose the tenures, payout frequencies, deposit types and mode of investment to grow your savings. You can choose to invest in a Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit to get an attractive rate of interest, which can enable you to maximise the returns on your deposit.

Frequently asked questions

What parameters are used to calculate interest on FD?

Parameters for FD interest calculation include the principal amount, tenure, the applicable interest rate, and the payout frequency.

How to calculate FD interest rate using an online calculator?

To calculate FD interest rate with an online calculator, input the type of customer (senior citizen or customer below the age of 60), principal amount, tenure, interest rate, and choose the compounding frequency (monthly, quarterly, annually) if applicable.

Why is it important to understand how fixed deposit interest is calculated?

Understanding FD interest calculation is crucial for estimating returns, comparing investments, and making informed financial decisions.

What is the difference between the calculation of simple interest and compound interest?

The main difference is that simple interest is calculated only on the principal amount, while compound interest includes interest on interest.

Is FD interest credited monthly?

FD interest can be credited monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the terms of the FD.

How does the FD interest rate work?

FD interest rate is the annual percentage return offered by the bank, and it determines the interest earned on the principal amount over the investment tenure.

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Disclaimer

As regards deposit taking activity of Bajaj Finance Ltd (BFL), the viewers may refer to the advertisement in the Indian Express (Mumbai Edition) and Loksatta (Pune Edition) furnished in the application form for soliciting public deposits or refer https://www.bajajfinserv.in/fixed-deposit-archives
The company is having a valid Certificate of Registration dated March 5, 1998 issued by the Reserve Bank of India under section 45 IA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. However, the RBI does not accept any responsibility or guarantee about the present position as to the financial soundness of the company or for the correctness of any of the statements or representations made or opinions expressed by the company and for repayment of deposits/discharge of the liabilities by the company.

For the FD calculator the actual returns may vary slightly if the Fixed Deposit tenure includes a leap year.