Advanced FD vs RD vs SIP vs PPF Calculator

It depends on when you need the money. For under 3 years, an FD or RD is safer because markets can be down when you need it. PPF suits people who pay tax and can leave the money for 15 years. A SIP in an equity fund has historically grown the most over 5 years or more, but it is not guaranteed. The page shows all of them with your own numbers.

Because the order can change. FD and RD interest is taxed every year at your slab, PPF is tax-free, and equity fund gains are taxed lightly after a year. At the 30 percent slab, a 6.5 percent RD keeps only about 4.5 percent a year.

It shows what the final amount would buy at today's prices, after inflation. If an option ends below the line for what you put in, it has kept your money safe but lost buying power.

PPF matures after 15 years. Before that you can take only a loan (years 3 to 6) or a partial withdrawal (from year 7), so the page shows how much you could actually take out in the year you picked.

In India, instalments held over a year are long-term: gains up to 1.25 lakh are tax-free and the rest is taxed at 12.5 percent. The last 12 months of instalments are short-term, taxed at 20 percent. We assume you sell everything in one year; selling over a few years lowers the tax.

Yes. Choose your currency and PPF is hidden, the names change to fixed deposit, monthly savings deposit and fund investing, and you enter your own tax rates for interest and investment gains.

There is no correct number. Broad equity funds in India have averaged around 10 to 12 percent over long periods, and many other markets less. The page shows a range of 2 percent either side because real returns vary year to year.