CD comparison calculator: Compare CDs side-by-side and estimate earnings
Comparing certificates of deposit (CDs) can seem more complicated than it is, mostly because each CD has its own rates and terms. One CD might have a higher annual percentage yield (APY), while another has a different term that affects how much interest you could earn and when you’ll get your money back. And unless you enjoy doing math with a calculator and a spreadsheet, it can be hard to tell what those differences actually mean in dollars.
That’s where our CD comparison calculator comes in. Enter the deposit, APY, and term for two or more CDs to compare estimated interest and maturity values side by side.
APY is an annualized measure that reflects the interest rate and compounding assumptions, so looking at the numbers together can give you a clearer picture of how each CD could perform. Just remember that the CD with the highest estimated return isn’t automatically the right choice when you’re locking up your money for a different length of time.
Enter the details for each CD you want to compare. Add up to 5 CDs.
Compare interest earned, maturity values, APYs, and terms across your CDs.
Compare CD terms at a glance. Hover over each bar for full details.
Calculation Methodology: This calculator compares CDs using each CD’s Deposit Amount, APY, and Term. Interest earned and maturity value are estimated from APY as the effective annual yield over the CD term. Results include a side-by-side comparison of deposit amount, APY, term, interest earned, maturity value, and maturity date, along with a term comparison chart and key insights. Select two CDs to see the difference between them. Amounts are estimates and may vary by bank, compounding rules, and CD terms.
Which banks have the best CD rates?
Finding the bank with the best savings account to meet your needs is as simple as using our curated list. Try it now and find your high-interest savings account.
Rates Updated on October 26, 2026
How to use the CD comparison calculator
Use this calculator to compare up to five certificate of deposit (CD) offers side-by-side. Enter each CD’s deposit, APY, and term, click Compare CDs, then review interest earned, maturity values, term lengths, and key insights to see which option fits your goals.
Step 1: Enter details for each CD
For every CD row, add the Deposit Amount, Annual Percentage Yield (APY), and Term. Choose Months or Years for the term unit. You can enter a deposit from $1 to $1,000,000, an APY from 0% to 20%, and a term from 1–120 months or 1–10 years.
Step 2: Add or remove CDs
The calculator starts with three CDs. Use Add another CD to include more offers (up to five total), or use the delete control on a row to remove a CD you don’t need (at least two CDs are required). Changing inputs or rows does not update results until you compare again.
Step 3: Click compare CDs
After your CD details are entered, click Compare CDs to calculate and refresh the comparison results. If a field is incomplete or out of range, fix the highlighted errors and compare again.
Step 4: Review the comparison table
Once you compare, the table shows each CD’s:
- Deposit amount — the starting balance for that CD
- APY — the annual percentage yield you entered
- Term — length of the CD in months
- Interest earned — estimated interest over the full term
- Maturity value — deposit plus estimated interest at maturity
- Maturity date — projected month and year when the CD matures
Step 5: Sort and compare two CDs (optional)
Use Sort by to reorder columns by APY, interest earned, or maturity value. To see a direct difference, check exactly two CDs in the Compare row—the Difference column then shows how the second selected CD compares with the first (for example, APY, interest, and term gaps).
Step 6: Review the chart and key insights
The CD Term Comparison chart shows each CD’s term length at a glance—hover a bar for deposit, APY, interest, maturity value, and maturity date. Key Insights highlights which CD earns the most interest, which matures first, and which has the longest term. Use Explore Other CD Tools below the results for related calculators.
How the CD calculator estimates earnings
Our CD comparison calculator uses your deposit amount, APY, and CD term to estimate how much interest you could earn and how much your CD could be worth at maturity. The calculation is designed to give you a useful side-by-side comparison without requiring you to do the math yourself.
Why APY is the right comparison input
APY is an annualized measure that accounts for compounding. That makes it useful for comparing CDs because the advertised APY already reflects the effect of compounding under the account terms. The calculator uses the APY as provided rather than treating it like a basic interest rate and compounding it again.
Calculator assumptions and limitations
The calculator assumes your initial deposit and earned interest remain in the CD until maturity. It uses the CD’s APY and term to estimate the value at maturity based on the information you enter.
Keep in mind that the result is an estimate, not a guarantee of what you’ll earn. Financial institutions can use different methods for calculating and crediting interest, and the actual amount you receive can depend on the CD’s specific terms. The calculator also does not factor in early withdrawal penalties when calculating the standard maturity estimate.
For the most accurate comparison, check the financial institution’s disclosures before opening a CD. Pay attention to the APY, term, minimum deposit, interest payout options, and early withdrawal penalty, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
How to interpret a side-by-side CD comparison
A side-by-side comparison can make CD shopping much easier, but don’t let the biggest dollar amount automatically make the decision for you. If the CDs have different terms, you also need to consider how long your money will be tied up.
Comparing CDs with the same term
When CDs have the same starting deposit and term, comparing APYs and estimated interest is pretty straightforward. The CD with the higher APY would produce more interest over the same period, assuming the other terms are comparable.
The estimated interest and maturity value then show what that difference could mean in actual dollars. APY is useful for comparing the annualized yield, while the estimated interest and maturity value show the projected dollar outcome for the specific CD term.
Comparing CDs with different terms
This is where things get a little more interesting. A CD with a longer term could show more total interest because your money stays deposited for a longer period. That doesn’t necessarily mean it offers a better rate or is the better fit for your situation.
Look at the APY, total estimated interest, and maturity value alongside the CD term and maturity date. Most importantly, think about when you’ll need the money. A CD that matures when you need access to your savings may make more sense than one that offers a higher projected balance but keeps your money locked up longer.
In other words, don’t just chase the biggest number. Consider both how much your money could earn and how long you’re willing to leave it in the CD.
What to compare beyond APY and projected earnings
The APY and projected earnings can help you compare CDs, but there are a few more details to check. Before you open a CD, take a few minutes to look over the fine print. A slightly different account rule could matter more to you than a small difference in APY.
Early withdrawal penalties
Find out what happens if you need your money before the CD matures. Check whether an early withdrawal penalty applies, how it’s calculated, and when it can be charged. Even if you don’t expect to withdraw early, it’s worth knowing what it could cost if your plans change.
Minimum deposit requirements
Some CDs require a minimum opening deposit, and some advertised APYs may only apply when you meet certain balance requirements. Make sure the CD’s minimum deposit and any APY requirements fit your situation.
Renewal policies
Check what happens when the CD matures. Some CDs automatically renew for another term if you don’t withdraw your money during the institution’s grace period. Knowing the renewal policy can help you avoid an unexpected new term or interest rate.
Deposit insurance
Make sure you understand whether the institution is federally insured. CDs at Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC)-insured banks can qualify for FDIC deposit insurance, while CDs at federally insured credit unions can qualify for federal share insurance through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), subject to applicable coverage limits, deposits held at the same institution, and ownership categories.
Eligibility and other restrictions
Finally, look for any eligibility requirements that might apply, including requirements for membership or where you live. Some CD offers are available only to certain customers or residents, so make sure you actually qualify before using an advertised rate in your comparison.
Compare current CD options after running the numbers
Once you know which CD term and projected return fit your goals, it’s time to see what’s actually available. Rates can change, so don’t assume the APY you used in your initial comparison is still being offered.
Start by comparing current CD rates for the term you’re considering. When you find an offer that looks promising, enter its current APY, term, and minimum deposit into the calculator to see how it compares with your other options.
And remember, you don’t have to put all your savings into one long-term CD. If you’re concerned about having access to your money, a shorter-term CD or CD ladder can give you more frequent opportunities to access funds as CDs mature. You can learn more about CD ladders if you want to explore that strategy.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Not necessarily. APY tells you the annualized yield, but when CD terms differ, you also need to consider the total interest earned, maturity date, and how long your money will be tied up.
Look at the estimated interest and maturity value for each CD, along with when each one matures. The CD with the higher projected balance may simply be keeping your money deposited longer.
Typically, no. Standard CD maturity estimates assume you keep the money in the account until maturity, so you’ll need to check the financial institution’s terms to understand early withdrawal penalties that may apply.
APY is the better number to use when comparing CDs because it reflects the effect of compounding. The interest rate does not account for compounding in the same way.