EE Savings Bond Calculator 2026 - Calculate Bond Value & Returns

Calculate the current and future value of your Series EE Savings Bonds with our comprehensive 2026 calculator. Get accurate valuations with the current 2.50% fixed rate and 20-year doubling guarantee from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

📊 Current Series EE Bond Rate (November 2025 - April 2026):

• Fixed Annual Rate: 2.50%

• Interest Compounding: Semi-annually (twice per year)

• 20-Year Guarantee: Bond value doubles in exactly 20 years

• Effective 20-Year Return: Approximately 3.53% per year

• Maximum Earning Period: 30 years from issue date

Series EE Savings Bond Value Calculator

Bond Purchase Amount ($) Minimum: $25 | Maximum: $10,000 per calendar year

Purchase Month Month and year you bought the bond

Fixed Interest Rate (%) Rate at time of purchase (current: 2.50%)

Valuation Date Date you want to calculate the bond value

Your EE Bond Results

What Are Series EE Savings Bonds?

Series EE Savings Bonds are low-risk savings products issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. They earn a fixed interest rate for up to 30 years and are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. EE bonds are designed for long-term savers seeking guaranteed growth with zero risk of losing principal.

The defining feature of Series EE bonds is the Treasury's guarantee that your bond will be worth at least twice what you paid for it after 20 years. This guarantee provides a minimum effective return of approximately 3.53% per year, even if the stated fixed rate is lower. EE bonds are ideal for education savings, retirement planning, and long-term wealth building.

Current Series EE Bond Rates (2026)

Series EE Bonds Issued November 2025 - April 2026:

• Fixed Annual Interest Rate: 2.50%

• Compounding Frequency: Semi-annually (every 6 months)

• Interest Accrual: Begins the first day of the issue month

• Minimum Holding Period: 12 months (cannot redeem before 1 year)

• Early Redemption Penalty: Forfeit last 3 months of interest if redeemed before 5 years

• Final Maturity: 30 years from issue date

How Series EE Bond Rates Are Set

The U.S. Treasury announces new Series EE bond rates on the first business day of each May and November. The rate applies to all bonds issued during the subsequent six-month period. Once set, your bond's fixed rate remains constant for the entire 30-year life of the bond, providing predictable, guaranteed returns.

The 20-Year Doubling Guarantee

The most important feature distinguishing Series EE bonds from other savings products is the Treasury's guarantee that your bond will double in value after exactly 20 years. This guarantee applies regardless of the stated fixed interest rate.

20-Year Doubling Guarantee:

\[ \text{Guaranteed Value at 20 Years} = 2 \times \text{Purchase Price} \]

If natural interest growth doesn't reach double the purchase price, Treasury makes a one-time adjustment

Understanding the Doubling Guarantee:

At 2.50% interest compounding semi-annually, a $1,000 EE bond would naturally grow to approximately $1,640 after 20 years. Since this is less than $2,000 (double the purchase price), the Treasury adds a one-time adjustment of $360 at the 20-year mark, bringing the value to exactly $2,000.

This guarantee effectively provides a minimum annual return of approximately 3.53% over 20 years, calculated as:

\[ \text{Effective Rate} = (2)^{1/20} - 1 = 0.0353 = 3.53\% \]

Series EE Bond Interest Calculation

Series EE bonds earn interest through compound interest, where interest earned in previous periods also earns interest. The compounding occurs semi-annually, meaning interest is calculated and added to the bond value twice per year.

Series EE Bond Compound Interest Formula:

\[ FV = PV \times \left(1 + \frac{r}{n}\right)^{n \times t} \]

Where:

$ FV $ = Future Value (what the bond will be worth)

$ PV $ = Present Value (purchase amount)

$ r $ = Annual interest rate (as decimal)

$ n $ = Compounding frequency per year (2 for semi-annual)

$ t $ = Time in years

Detailed Calculation Example:

Scenario: $1,000 Series EE bond at 2.50% held for 10 years

Given Values:

• PV = $1,000

• r = 0.025 (2.50% as decimal)

• n = 2 (semi-annual compounding)

• t = 10 years

Step-by-Step Calculation:

\[ FV = 1000 \times \left(1 + \frac{0.025}{2}\right)^{2 \times 10} \]

\[ FV = 1000 \times (1.0125)^{20} \]

\[ FV = 1000 \times 1.2820 \]

\[ FV = \$1,282.00 \]

Result: Your $1,000 bond is worth $1,282.00 after 10 years

Interest Earned: $282.00

Effective Annual Return: 2.52% (slightly higher than stated rate due to compounding)

EE Bond Value Growth Timeline

Understanding how your EE bond grows over time helps with financial planning. Below is a detailed timeline showing how a $1,000 EE bond purchased at 2.50% grows over 30 years.

Years Held	Bond Value	Interest Earned	Total Growth
1 Year	$1,025.16	$25.16	2.52%
2 Years	$1,050.95	$50.95	5.10%
3 Years	$1,077.38	$77.38	7.74%
4 Years	$1,104.46	$104.46	10.45%
5 Years	$1,132.20	$132.20	13.22%
10 Years	$1,282.00	$282.00	28.20%
15 Years	$1,451.61	$451.61	45.16%
20 Years	$2,000.00	$1,000.00	100.00%
25 Years	$2,267.05	$1,267.05	126.71%
30 Years	$2,568.05	$1,568.05	156.81%

⚠️ Note About 20-Year Value: At 2.50% fixed rate, natural growth to 20 years would be $1,643.62. However, the Treasury's doubling guarantee brings the value to exactly $2,000.00, adding $356.38 as a one-time adjustment at the 20-year mark.

Purchase Limits and Eligibility

Annual Purchase Limits (2026)

Series EE Bond Purchase Limits:

• Electronic Bonds (TreasuryDirect): $10,000 maximum per calendar year per Social Security Number

• Minimum Purchase: $25.00

• Purchase Increments: Any amount to the penny (e.g., $250.47)

• Paper Bonds: No longer available (discontinued in 2012)

• Gift Bonds: Count toward recipient's annual limit, not purchaser's

• Entity Purchases: Separate $10,000 limit for trusts, corporations, etc.

Who Can Purchase Series EE Bonds?

Individuals

• U.S. citizens, residents, or civilian employees abroad

• Must have Social Security Number

• Must be 18+ or have adult custodian

• Can purchase for self or as gifts

Entities

• Trusts, estates, corporations, partnerships

• Must have Employer Identification Number (EIN)

• Separate $10,000 annual limit

• Requires entity TreasuryDirect account

Redemption Rules and Penalties

Minimum Holding Period

You must hold Series EE bonds for at least 12 months before you can redeem them. Attempting to cash a bond before one year from the issue date is not permitted. This one-year lock-up period ensures bonds serve their purpose as savings vehicles rather than short-term cash management tools.

Early Redemption Penalty (Before 5 Years)

If you redeem an EE bond before holding it for 5 years, you forfeit the last 3 months of interest as a penalty. This penalty encourages longer-term savings and compensates the Treasury for early redemption.

Early Redemption Value Formula (Before 5 Years):

\[ \text{Redemption Value} = \text{Current Value} - \text{Last 3 Months Interest} \]

Early Redemption Example:

Suppose your $1,000 bond is worth $1,077 after 3 years. If you redeem it:

• 3 months of interest at 2.50% ≈ $6.50

• Redemption value = $1,077.00 - $6.50 = $1,070.50

• Interest forfeited = $6.50

Recommendation: Wait until the 5-year mark to avoid losing earned interest. After 5 years, you can redeem anytime with no penalty and receive full accumulated value.

Optimal Redemption Strategy

Year 1-5

Avoid if possible. Cannot redeem first year; lose 3 months interest before 5 years. Hold until financial emergency only.

Year 5-20

Flexible period. No penalty after 5 years, but bond continues earning fixed rate. Consider opportunity cost vs. other investments.

Year 20

Decision point. Bond doubles. Evaluate if continuing to 30 years at fixed rate beats current alternatives or if redeploying capital makes sense.

Tax Treatment of Series EE Bonds

Understanding the tax advantages of Series EE bonds helps maximize after-tax returns and enables strategic tax planning.

Federal Income Tax

Federal Tax Rules for EE Bonds:

• Interest is subject to federal income tax but exempt from state and local taxes

• You can defer federal tax until redemption or final maturity (30 years)

• Alternatively, you can elect to report interest annually (rarely advantageous)

• Interest is taxed as ordinary income, not capital gains

• Tax-deferred growth allows compounding of pre-tax interest for up to 30 years

Education Tax Exclusion

The Education Savings Bond Program allows qualified taxpayers to exclude all or part of EE bond interest from federal income tax when using proceeds to pay for qualified higher education expenses.

Education Tax Exclusion Requirements (2026):

• Bond Ownership: Bond must be in your name (or your spouse's if filing jointly)

• Age Requirement: You must be 24 years or older when the bond is issued

• Qualified Expenses: Tuition and fees only (not room, board, or books)

• Eligible Institutions: Accredited colleges, universities, vocational schools

• Income Limits (2026): Phase-out begins at $99,200 (single) or $148,800 (married filing jointly)

• Beneficiary: Expenses must be for yourself, spouse, or dependent

• Documentation: Keep receipts and IRS Form 8815

Education Exclusion Calculation:

\[ \text{Excluded Interest} = \text{Total Interest} \times \frac{\text{Qualified Expenses}}{\text{Redemption Value}} \]

Interest exclusion is proportional to qualified expenses

Education Tax Exclusion Example:

• EE Bond redemption value: $10,000

• Original investment: $5,000

• Interest earned: $5,000

• Qualified tuition expenses: $8,000

Calculation:

\[ \text{Excluded Interest} = 5000 \times \frac{8000}{10000} = \$4,000 \]

Result: $4,000 of interest is tax-free; $1,000 is taxable. This can save $880-$1,480 in federal taxes depending on your tax bracket (22%-37%).

Comparing EE Bonds to Other Savings Options

Feature	Series EE Bonds	High-Yield Savings	CDs	Series I Bonds
Current Rate (Jan 2026)	2.50% fixed	4.0-4.5%	3.5-4.5%	4.03% composite
Minimum Term	1 year (5 years no penalty)	None	3-60 months	1 year (5 years no penalty)
Rate Guarantee	Fixed 30 years	Variable	Fixed term only	Partial (fixed component)
Special Feature	Doubles in 20 years	High liquidity	FDIC insured	Inflation protection
State Tax	Exempt	Taxable	Taxable	Exempt
Federal Tax	Deferred	Annual	Annual	Deferred
Education Tax Benefit	Yes	No	No	Yes
Best For	20+ year goals	Emergency funds	Fixed-term savings	Inflation hedge

How to Purchase Series EE Bonds

TreasuryDirect - The Only Way to Buy

Series EE bonds can only be purchased electronically through TreasuryDirect, the U.S. Treasury's official online platform. Paper EE bonds were discontinued in 2012, making TreasuryDirect the exclusive channel for all new purchases.

Steps to Buy Series EE Bonds:

1. Open TreasuryDirect Account: Visit TreasuryDirect.gov and click "Open an Account"

2. Provide Information: Social Security Number, bank account, email, and personal details

3. Create Security Settings: Password, security questions, account number

4. Link Bank Account: For purchases and redemptions

5. Purchase EE Bonds: Select "BuyDirect," choose Series EE, enter amount

6. Confirm Transaction: Review and submit; funds debited from linked account

7. Manage Bonds: View portfolio, current values, and maturity dates online

Gifting Series EE Bonds

TreasuryDirect allows you to purchase Series EE bonds as gifts for others. Gift bonds are delivered electronically to the recipient's TreasuryDirect account and count toward their annual purchase limit, not yours.

EE Bond Investment Strategies

Education Funding Strategy

Purchase EE bonds in a parent's name (when parent is 24+) to maximize education tax exclusion eligibility. Time purchases so bonds can mature or be redeemed during college years. The combination of tax-deferred growth and potential tax-free redemption makes EE bonds highly efficient for education savings.

Long-Term Wealth Building (20-30 Year Hold)

Maximize the 20-year doubling guarantee by holding bonds for at least 20 years. The guaranteed 3.53% effective return with zero risk is competitive with conservative bond funds but without market volatility. Continue holding to year 30 if the 2.50% rate remains attractive relative to alternatives.

Bond Laddering for Liquidity

Purchase EE bonds annually to create a ladder of staggered maturity dates. After 5 years, you'll have penalty-free access to bonds each year while newer purchases continue growing. This strategy balances long-term returns with periodic liquidity.

Retirement Income Supplement

Purchase EE bonds during working years to mature during retirement. The state tax exemption increases after-tax income, especially valuable for retirees in high-tax states. Time maturities to coincide with major retirement expenses or to fill income gaps.

Official U.S. Treasury Resources (2026)

Always use official government resources for purchasing and managing Series EE Savings Bonds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate the value of my Series EE bond?

Use the compound interest formula: FV = PV × (1 + r/2)^(2t), where PV is purchase amount, r is annual rate (e.g., 0.025 for 2.50%), and t is years held. For bonds held 20+ years, compare this value to double the purchase price and use whichever is greater due to the doubling guarantee. Our calculator automates this with current Treasury rates.

What is the current Series EE bond rate for 2026?

Series EE bonds issued from November 2025 through April 2026 earn a fixed annual rate of 2.50%. This rate is set for the life of the bond (30 years). The Treasury announces new rates every May and November. Additionally, all EE bonds benefit from the 20-year doubling guarantee, providing an effective minimum return of approximately 3.53% if held for 20 years.

When does my Series EE bond double in value?

The U.S. Treasury guarantees that every Series EE bond will double in value after exactly 20 years from the issue date. If the bond's fixed interest rate doesn't naturally double the value in 20 years, the Treasury makes a one-time adjustment to bring it to exactly double the purchase price. This provides a guaranteed 100% return over 20 years regardless of the stated interest rate.

Can I cash my EE bond before 5 years?

You can redeem an EE bond after holding it for at least 12 months, but if you cash it before 5 years, you forfeit the last 3 months of interest as a penalty. For example, if your bond is worth $1,100 at 4 years but earned $25 in the last 3 months, you'd receive $1,075. After 5 years, you can redeem anytime with no penalty.

Are Series EE bonds a good investment in 2026?

EE bonds at 2.50% with the 20-year doubling guarantee (3.53% effective return) are competitive for ultra-safe, long-term savings. They're ideal if you can hold for 20+ years, want zero risk, and value state tax exemption. For shorter timeframes or higher risk tolerance, alternatives like Series I bonds (4.03% with inflation protection) or CDs may offer better returns. EE bonds excel for education savings due to potential tax-free treatment.

How much can I invest in EE bonds per year?

You can purchase up to $10,000 in electronic Series EE bonds per calendar year per Social Security Number through TreasuryDirect. The minimum purchase is $25. You can buy in any amount to the penny (e.g., $1,234.56). Married couples can each purchase $10,000, totaling $20,000 per year. Gift bonds count toward the recipient's limit, not the purchaser's.

How are Series EE bonds taxed?

Interest on EE bonds is subject to federal income tax but exempt from state and local taxes. You can defer federal tax until redemption or final maturity (up to 30 years). If used for qualified education expenses and you meet income requirements, interest may be completely tax-free under the Education Savings Bond Program. This makes EE bonds highly tax-efficient for long-term savers.

What happens to my EE bond after 30 years?

EE bonds stop earning interest after 30 years from the issue date (final maturity). At this point, you should redeem the bond immediately and reinvest the proceeds elsewhere to continue growing your money. The bond won't earn any additional interest beyond 30 years. You'll owe federal income tax on all accumulated interest in the year you redeem or the year it reaches final maturity, whichever comes first.

Can I lose money on a Series EE bond?

No, Series EE bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government and cannot lose value. Your principal is guaranteed, and interest only increases the bond's value. The only "loss" possible is opportunity cost—if you could have earned higher returns elsewhere—or inflation eroding purchasing power. However, the bonds themselves never decrease in dollar value, making them one of the safest investments available.

Should I buy Series EE or Series I bonds?

Series I bonds currently offer higher rates (4.03% composite with inflation protection) making them better for most savers with 5-15 year horizons. Series EE bonds are superior if you can commit to holding for exactly 20 years to maximize the doubling guarantee (3.53% effective return). EE bonds also work better if you believe inflation will remain low. Consider buying both: I bonds for near/medium-term needs and inflation hedge, EE bonds for long-term wealth building and education savings.