CD Calculator
Estimate how much a certificate of deposit will earn with compound interest. See your maturity value, interest earned, and effective APY.
CD Calculator
Estimate certificate of deposit earnings with compound interest
Uses the compound interest formula: A = P × (1 + r/n)^(nt). Enter your CD's nominal interest rate (APR); the effective APY shown reflects that rate with your chosen compounding frequency. CDs that quote APY have already baked in compounding — to model those, enter the nominal rate that produces that APY. CD early-withdrawal penalties typically cost 90 days to 6 months of interest. In 2026, high-yield CD rates range from roughly 3.5% to 5% APY depending on term. Unlike a savings account, a CD locks your money for the full term.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a $10,000 CD earn in a year?+
At 4.5% APY compounded monthly, a $10,000 12-month CD grows to $10,459 — about $459 in interest. At 5% APY, roughly $512. Short-term CDs (3-6 months) pay slightly less; longer terms (2-5 years) typically pay more but lock your money in.
What is the difference between APR and APY on a CD?+
APY (annual percentage yield) already includes compounding, so use it directly in this calculator. APR is the simple rate before compounding. For the same rate, APY is slightly higher — e.g., a 4.44% APR compounded monthly equals a 4.5% APY.
What happens if I withdraw from a CD early?+
You pay an early-withdrawal penalty, typically 90 days to 6 months of interest. On a 12-month CD at 4.5% that could erase $115-230 of your $459 in earnings. Choose a term you can commit to, or ladder CDs with staggered maturity dates.
How much does a $10,000 CD earn in a year?
At 4.5% APY compounded monthly, a $10,000 12-month CD grows to $10,459 — about $459 in interest. At 5% APY, roughly $512. Short-term CDs (3-6 months) pay slightly less; longer terms (2-5 years) typically pay more but lock your money in.
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