1. What is a PPF Calculator With Variable Amount?

Definition: This calculator estimates the maturity value of a Public Provident Fund (PPF) account when you make variable annual deposits.

Purpose: It helps investors plan their PPF investments when they can't contribute fixed amounts every year.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Maturity \) — Final maturity amount ($)
• \( Each\ Deposit \) — Individual annual deposit amounts ($)
• \( i \) — Annual interest rate (as decimal, e.g., 0.071 for 7.1%)
• \( n \) — Total investment period (years)
• \( year \) — The year number when deposit was made

Explanation: Each deposit earns compound interest for the remaining tenure until maturity.

3. Importance of PPF Calculation

Details: PPF is a popular long-term savings scheme with tax benefits. Accurate calculations help in financial planning.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter comma-separated annual deposits (e.g., "1000,1500,2000"), interest rate (default 7.1%), and investment period (default 15 years).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the current PPF interest rate?
A: As of 2023, it's 7.1% but changes quarterly. Check with your bank for current rates.

Q2: Can I skip years in my deposits?
A: Yes, just enter 0 for years you didn't contribute (e.g., "1000,0,1500").

Q3: What's the maximum investment period?
A: PPF has a 15-year maturity, but can be extended in blocks of 5 years.

Q4: Is the interest compounded annually?
A: Yes, PPF interest is compounded annually and credited at year-end.

Q5: Are there tax benefits on PPF?
A: Yes, PPF falls under EEE category - contributions, interest, and maturity are tax-exempt.