FINANCIAL · SAVINGS BOND
Savings Bond Calculator
Estimate the projected value of US Series I Bonds and EE Bonds — enter purchase amount, hold period, and bond type to see projected growth, interest earned, and effective APY. Rates updated May 2025.
About This Calculator
Estimate the projected value of your US Series I or EE savings bond. I Bonds earn a composite rate tied to inflation (currently 3.98% for bonds issued May–October 2025); EE Bonds earn a fixed rate (2.70%) and are guaranteed to double in value if held 20 years. Enter your purchase amount, bond type, and planned hold period to see the projected value, total interest earned, and effective annual yield. Rates sourced from TreasuryDirect (updated May 2025; updated semi-annually in May and November).
How It Works
The calculator projects bond value by applying the current composite rate (I Bond) or fixed rate (EE Bond) with monthly compounding — an educational approximation, since TreasuryDirect applies a more complex semi-annual reset for I Bonds. For EE Bonds held 20+ years, the Treasury guarantees the bond will be worth at least 2× the purchase price, which the calculator applies as a floor. If you redeem before 5 years, a 3-month interest penalty is deducted from the final value.
The Formula
Value = Purchase × (1 + Rate/12)^(Years × 12)
- Purchase
- Face value / purchase price ($25–$10,000)
- Rate
- Annual composite rate (I Bond) or fixed rate (EE Bond)
- Years
- Number of years held (1–30)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current I Bond composite rate?
- The composite rate for I Bonds issued May–October 2025 is approximately 3.98% (fixed component 1.20% + inflation component based on CPI-U). The rate adjusts every 6 months in May and November when the Treasury announces a new inflation component. Always verify the current rate at TreasuryDirect.gov before making a purchase decision.
- What is the EE Bond 20-year doubling guarantee?
- EE Bonds purchased today are guaranteed to be worth at least twice their purchase price if held for 20 years, regardless of the stated fixed rate. This is an implicit floor provided by the US Treasury — if the fixed-rate growth doesn't reach 2×, Treasury makes a one-time adjustment at the 20-year mark. The effective annual yield for the 20-year doubling is approximately 3.53%.
- Can I redeem a savings bond before 5 years?
- Yes, but you forfeit the last 3 months of interest earned if you redeem before holding for 5 full years. I Bonds have a 1-year minimum holding period before redemption; EE Bonds have the same minimum. After 5 years there is no penalty.
- What is the annual purchase limit for I Bonds?
- The annual limit is $10,000 per person in electronic bonds through TreasuryDirect, plus up to $5,000 in paper I Bonds purchased with a federal tax refund (via Form 8888). The limits reset each calendar year.
- Are savings bond interest earnings taxable?
- I Bond and EE Bond interest is subject to federal income tax, but exempt from state and local income taxes. You can report interest annually (accrual method) or defer all interest until redemption or maturity (cash method, the default). Interest used to pay qualified higher-education expenses may be tax-free under certain income limits (Series EE Education Exclusion, IRS Form 8815).