PPF vs FD — fixed and tax-free, or flexible and taxed?
PPF beats FD on being fully tax-free at maturity, but locks your money in for 15 years with a contribution cap. FD is flexible but its interest is taxed at your slab rate. Compare both on the same contribution.
PPF Calculator vs FD Calculator — 15-year comparison
Opens Compare Lab pre-loaded with both, in your own currency — adjust any input and the chart updates instantly.
Compare now →A government-backed, long-term savings scheme with a 15-year lock-in, a capped annual contribution, and fully tax-free interest and maturity.
Best for: The fixed, tax-free core of a long-term goal like retirement, where you can commit to the lock-in.
A lump sum deposited with a bank for a fixed tenure at a fixed, fixed interest rate.
Best for: Capital you can't afford to risk — an emergency fund, or a short-term goal within a couple of years.
Is PPF's return really tax-free?
Yes — PPF falls under EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) tax treatment in India: contributions, interest, and maturity amount are all tax-free, which is a real advantage over FD interest, which is fully taxable.
Where do these numbers actually come from?
The same calculation engine that powers our standalone calculators and Compare Lab — nothing here is a separate or simplified estimate. Every assumption (rate, tenure, tax) is visible and adjustable once you open the comparison with your own numbers.