CD Ladder Calculator
Split cash across rungs for liquidity plus yield.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Amount per rung
- $10,000.00
- Blended yield
- 4.2%
- First-year interest
- $2,100.00
- Matures each year
- $10,000.00
Working
- 1rates: 4.5%, 4.35%, 4.2%, 4.05%, 3.9%
Quick answer
A CD ladder spreads money across staggered maturities so part of it matures each year while the rest earns longer-term rates.
per rung = total / rungs; blended yield = average of rung APYs
How to use the CD Ladder Calculator
- 1Enter the total cash and how many rungs you want, usually 3-5.
- 2Enter the short and long APYs your bank offers.
- 3Reinvest each maturing rung at the longest term to keep the ladder rolling.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Total to invest50000 $
- Number of rungs5
- Shortest APY4.5 %
- Longest APY3.9 %
Results
- Amount per rung$10,000.00
- Blended yield4.2%
- First-year interest$2,100.00
- Matures each year$10,000.00
- rates: 4.5%, 4.35%, 4.2%, 4.05%, 3.9%
Frequently asked questions
Why ladder instead of one long CD?
You keep regular access to cash without early withdrawal penalties.
What if rates fall?
Existing rungs keep their locked rates, cushioning the drop.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.