Savings Bond Calculator (EE & I Bonds)
Series I and EE bonds are the safe-money favorites. Enter a bond amount, rate, and holding period to see its value and interest — plus the EE bond's 20-year doubling rule.
How to use this calculator
- Enter bond amount (face value paid).
- Enter annual rate.
- Enter years held.
- Your results appear instantly below and update as you change the numbers.
How this calculator works
The calculator compounds your bond's rate over the holding period. Series I bonds earn a fixed rate plus a six-month inflation component (set every May and November), while Series EE bonds earn a fixed rate and are guaranteed to double after 20 years — a 3.53% effective annual return no matter what the stated rate is. Worked example: a $1,000 I bond at 3.1% grows to about $1,165 in 5 years and $2,127 in 25 years.
Frequently asked questions
Are savings bond rates taxable?
Interest is federally taxable but exempt from state and local income tax — a real edge in high-tax states like California or New York. You can also defer the federal tax until you cash the bond (up to 30 years) or report it annually.
How does the EE bond doubling work?
Treasury guarantees a Series EE bond reaches exactly double its purchase price at the 20-year mark — that works out to about 3.53% annually regardless of the current rate. If the bond's own rate would do better, you get that instead; you never get less than the doubling.
Are I bonds good for college savings?
Yes — if you use them for qualified education expenses, the interest can be entirely federal-tax-free (the education exclusion phases out by income), on top of the state-tax exemption. That makes I bonds one of the only truly tax-free savings vehicles for education.
How do I know the current rate?
I bond rates are announced every May 1 and November 1 at treasurydirect.gov, combining a fixed rate with the semiannual inflation rate. Rates have been as high as 9.62% (May 2022) and much lower since — enter today's rate in the calculator to see your specific holding.
Disclaimer: Results are estimates for general information only and do not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures reflect 2026 rules and may change. Always confirm current limits and consult a qualified professional before making decisions. Official figures: IRS.gov · 2026 limits per IRS tax inflation adjustments.