Savings Bond Calculator 2026 - Calculate Your Bond Value

Calculate the current and future value of your U.S. Savings Bonds with our comprehensive 2026 calculator. Get accurate valuations for Series EE and Series I bonds with current interest rates updated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

💰 Current U.S. Savings Bond Rates (November 2025 - April 2026):

• Series EE Bonds: 2.50% fixed annual rate, guaranteed to double in 20 years

• Series I Bonds: 4.03% composite rate (0.90% fixed + 3.12% inflation-adjusted)

Rates are set by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and updated every six months (May and November).

U.S. Savings Bond Value Calculator

Select Bond Type Fixed rate bond guaranteed to double in 20 years

Purchase Amount ($) Minimum: $25 | Maximum: $10,000 per year per bond type

Purchase Date Month and year you purchased the bond

Fixed Interest Rate (%) Rate depends on purchase date - current: 2.50%

Valuation Date Date you want to value the bond

Your Savings Bond Results

What Are U.S. Savings Bonds?

U.S. Savings Bonds are government-backed securities issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. They are among the safest investments available, backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. Savings bonds are designed for individual investors seeking low-risk, long-term savings with guaranteed returns.

The Treasury currently issues two types of savings bonds: Series EE and Series I. Both earn interest for up to 30 years, are exempt from state and local income taxes, and may be tax-deferred or tax-free if used for qualified education expenses. Unlike stocks or corporate bonds, savings bonds never lose value and provide predictable, stable growth.

Series EE Savings Bonds

Series EE bonds are fixed-rate savings bonds that earn the same interest rate for up to 30 years from the date of issue. The defining feature of Series EE bonds is their guarantee: the U.S. Treasury guarantees that EE bonds will double in value after 20 years, regardless of the stated interest rate.

Current Series EE Bond Rates (2026)

Series EE Bonds Issued November 2025 - April 2026:

• Fixed Annual Rate: 2.50%

• Guarantee: Bond value doubles in exactly 20 years

• Interest Calculation: Compounds semi-annually (twice per year)

• Total Earning Period: 30 years from issue date

• Effective 20-Year Rate: If 2.50% doesn't double the bond in 20 years, Treasury makes a one-time adjustment

Series EE Bond Calculation Formula

Series EE bonds compound interest semi-annually, meaning interest is calculated and added to the bond value twice per year. The formula accounts for this compounding frequency.

Series EE Bond Value Formula:

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

Where:

$ FV $ = Future Value (bond 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

Series EE Bond Calculation Example:

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

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: After 10 years, your $1,000 bond is worth $1,282.00

Total Interest Earned: $282.00

The 20-Year Doubling Guarantee

The most important 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. If the fixed interest rate doesn't naturally double the bond's value in 20 years, the Treasury makes a one-time adjustment at the 20-year mark to bring it to double the purchase price.

Minimum 20-Year Value Guarantee:

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

If calculated value < guaranteed value, Treasury adds the difference

Understanding the Guarantee:

At 2.50% annual interest compounding semi-annually, $1,000 grows to approximately $1,640 after 20 years. This is less than $2,000 (double). Therefore, at the 20-year mark, the Treasury adds $360 as a one-time adjustment to bring the value to exactly $2,000.

The doubling guarantee effectively gives you an annual return of approximately 3.53% over 20 years, regardless of the stated rate.

Series I Savings Bonds

Series I bonds are inflation-protected savings bonds that earn a composite rate combining a fixed rate that stays the same for the life of the bond and an inflation rate that changes every six months based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U).

Current Series I Bond Rates (2026)

Series I Bonds Issued November 2025 - April 2026:

• Composite Rate: 4.03% (current 6-month period)

• Fixed Rate: 0.90% (permanent for life of bond)

• Inflation Component: 3.12% (adjusted every 6 months)

• Rate Updates: May 1 and November 1 each year

• Total Earning Period: 30 years from issue date

Series I Bond Calculation Formula

Series I bonds use a composite rate that combines the fixed rate with the semi-annual inflation rate. The formula is more complex because the inflation component changes every six months.

Series I Bond Composite Rate Formula:

\[ \text{Composite Rate} = \text{Fixed Rate} + (2 \times \text{Inflation Rate}) + (\text{Fixed Rate} \times \text{Inflation Rate}) \]

The composite rate is then applied with semi-annual compounding

Series I Bond Value Formula:

\[ FV = PV \times \left(1 + \frac{\text{Composite Rate}}{2}\right)^{2t} \]

Where the composite rate changes every 6 months based on inflation

Series I Bond Calculation Example:

Scenario: $1,000 Series I bond with 0.90% fixed rate and 3.12% inflation rate for 1 year

Step 1 - Calculate Composite Rate:

\[ \text{Composite} = 0.0090 + (2 \times 0.0156) + (0.0090 \times 0.0156) \]

\[ \text{Composite} = 0.0090 + 0.0312 + 0.00014 = 0.04034 = 4.03\% \]

Step 2 - Calculate 6-Month Growth:

\[ FV = 1000 \times (1 + 0.04034/2)^{2 \times 0.5} \]

\[ FV = 1000 \times (1.02017)^{1} = \$1,020.17 \]

Result: After 6 months at 4.03%, your $1,000 bond is worth $1,020.17

Note: The inflation component will change after 6 months based on new CPI-U data

How Series I Bond Rates Are Determined

The fixed rate is set by the Treasury and remains constant for the 30-year life of the bond. The inflation rate is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), calculated every six months.

Inflation Rate Calculation:

\[ \text{Semiannual Inflation Rate} = \frac{\text{CPI}_{\text{recent}} - \text{CPI}_{\text{prior}}}{\text{CPI}_{\text{prior}}} \]

Treasury announces new inflation rates every May and November

Comparing Series EE vs Series I Bonds

Feature	Series EE Bonds	Series I Bonds
Current Rate (Nov 2025 - Apr 2026)	2.50% fixed	4.03% composite (0.90% fixed + 3.12% inflation)
Rate Type	Fixed for 30 years	Fixed component + variable inflation component
Special Guarantee	Doubles in 20 years	Inflation protection
Interest Compounding	Semi-annually	Semi-annually
Minimum Purchase	$25 (electronic)	$25 (electronic)
Maximum Annual Purchase	$10,000 electronic	$10,000 electronic + $5,000 paper
Redemption Restrictions	Cannot cash for 1 year; penalty if < 5 years	Cannot cash for 1 year; penalty if < 5 years
Interest Earning Period	30 years	30 years
Inflation Protection	No	Yes
Best For	Long-term holders seeking guaranteed doubling	Inflation protection and higher current rates

Savings Bond Purchase Limits and Rules

Purchase Limits (2026)

Annual Purchase Limits Per Person:

• Series EE Electronic Bonds: $10,000 per calendar year

• Series I Electronic Bonds: $10,000 per calendar year

• Series I Paper Bonds: $5,000 per calendar year (using tax refund only)

• Total Maximum: $25,000 per year ($10,000 EE + $15,000 I bonds)

Limits apply per Social Security Number, so couples can purchase double these amounts.

Minimum Investment

The minimum purchase for electronic savings bonds is $25. You can buy bonds in any amount (to the penny) between $25 and the annual maximum. Paper I bonds purchased with tax refunds have a $50 minimum.

Redemption Rules

Important Redemption Restrictions:

• 1-Year Lock: You cannot redeem savings bonds for at least 12 months after purchase

• 5-Year Penalty: If you redeem bonds before 5 years, you forfeit the last 3 months of interest

• After 5 Years: No penalty; you can redeem anytime and receive all accrued interest

• 30-Year Maturity: Bonds stop earning interest after 30 years and should be redeemed

Plan to hold bonds for at least 5 years to avoid interest penalties.

Tax Treatment of Savings Bonds

Savings bonds offer significant tax advantages compared to other investments. Understanding these benefits helps you maximize after-tax returns and plan strategically for redemption.

Federal Tax Treatment

Federal Income Tax Rules:

• Interest on savings bonds is subject to federal income tax

• Interest is exempt from state and local income taxes

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

• Alternatively, you can elect to report interest annually (typically not advantageous)

• Interest is taxed as ordinary income, not capital gains

Education Tax Exclusion

One of the most valuable tax benefits is the Education Tax Exclusion, which allows you to exclude savings bond interest from federal income tax if you use the proceeds to pay for qualified higher education expenses.

Education Tax Exclusion Requirements (2026):

• Bond must be issued to you when you're 24 years or older

• Proceeds must be used for qualified education expenses (tuition and fees, not room & board)

• Education must be for you, your spouse, or your dependents

• Must attend eligible educational institution

• Income limits apply: Phase-out begins at $99,200 (single) or $148,800 (married) for 2026

This can make savings bonds completely tax-free for education funding

Estate Planning Benefits

Savings bonds can be titled in various ways to facilitate estate planning. Beneficiaries can be named directly on electronic bonds through TreasuryDirect, allowing bonds to pass outside of probate.

When to Redeem Your Savings Bonds

Optimal Redemption Timing

Before 5 Years

Avoid if possible. You'll forfeit 3 months of interest. Only redeem early for genuine financial emergencies.

5-20 Years (EE Bonds)

Evaluate carefully. Series EE bonds earn steady interest but benefit from the doubling guarantee at 20 years. Holding to 20 years maximizes value.

At 20 Years (EE Bonds)

Decision point. Your EE bond doubles. Evaluate if continuing to 30 years at the fixed rate beats current investment alternatives.

5-30 Years (I Bonds)

Monitor inflation. I bonds protect against inflation. If inflation remains high, keep them. If rates drop significantly, consider alternatives.

At 30 Years

Must redeem. Bonds stop earning interest at 30 years. Redeem immediately and reinvest elsewhere to continue growing your money.

For Education

Strategic timing. Redeem in years when paying education expenses to qualify for tax exclusion. Coordinate with financial aid applications.

How to Purchase Savings Bonds (2026)

TreasuryDirect - The Official Portal

All electronic savings bonds must be purchased through TreasuryDirect, the U.S. Treasury's official online platform. This secure system manages your bonds electronically, eliminating the risk of lost or stolen paper certificates.

Steps to Buy Savings Bonds Online:

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

2. Provide Personal Information: Social Security Number, bank account for funding, email address

3. Set Up Security: Create password and answer security questions

4. Link Bank Account: Connect your checking or savings account for purchases and redemptions

5. Purchase Bonds: Select bond type, enter amount, and complete purchase

6. Manage Portfolio: View current values, interest earned, and maturity dates

Paper I Bonds with Tax Refund

The only way to purchase paper savings bonds is to use your federal income tax refund. You can allocate up to $5,000 of your refund to paper Series I bonds by filing IRS Form 8888 with your tax return.

Savings Bond Strategies for Different Goals

Emergency Fund Strategy

While savings bonds have a 1-year lock-up period, they can supplement emergency funds for years 1-5. Ladder purchases annually so older bonds are always available without penalty after 5 years.

College Savings Strategy

Purchase bonds in parents' names when the parent is 24 or older to qualify for education tax exclusion. I bonds protect against education cost inflation. Plan redemptions for years paying tuition.

Retirement Supplement Strategy

Series EE bonds held for 20+ years provide guaranteed doubling, creating predictable retirement income. I bonds provide inflation protection to preserve purchasing power.

Grandparent Gift Strategy

Grandparents can purchase savings bonds as gifts for grandchildren through TreasuryDirect. Bonds titled to minors grow tax-deferred and can fund education with tax exclusion if structured properly.

Official U.S. Treasury Resources (2026)

Always use official government resources for purchasing, managing, and redeeming savings bonds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate the value of my savings bond?

Use the formula FV = PV × (1 + r/n)^(n×t) where PV is purchase price, r is annual rate, n is compounding frequency (2 for semi-annual), and t is years held. For Series EE bonds, also check the 20-year doubling guarantee. Our calculator automates this process with current Treasury rates.

What is the current interest rate on Series EE bonds?

Series EE bonds issued from November 2025 through April 2026 earn a fixed annual rate of 2.50%. This rate is guaranteed for the life of the bond. Additionally, the Treasury guarantees that EE bonds will double in value after exactly 20 years, which provides an effective rate of approximately 3.53% over 20 years.

What is the current interest rate on Series I bonds?

Series I bonds issued from November 2025 through April 2026 earn a composite rate of 4.03%. This consists of a fixed rate of 0.90% (permanent for the bond's life) plus an inflation component of 3.12% (adjusted every 6 months). The inflation component changes based on the Consumer Price Index, while the fixed rate remains constant.

Should I buy Series EE or Series I bonds in 2026?

Series I bonds currently offer higher rates (4.03% vs 2.50%) and inflation protection, making them attractive in inflationary environments. Series EE bonds are better for those committed to holding for 20 years to benefit from the doubling guarantee. Consider buying both types up to annual limits to diversify. I bonds are generally preferred for shorter holding periods (5-15 years) while EE bonds excel for 20+ year holds.

How long should I hold savings bonds?

Hold savings bonds for at least 5 years to avoid the 3-month interest penalty. For Series EE bonds, holding exactly 20 years maximizes the doubling guarantee. After 20 years, evaluate whether the fixed rate justifies continuing to 30 years. For Series I bonds, hold as long as inflation protection remains valuable. All bonds stop earning interest at 30 years and should be redeemed immediately.

Are savings bonds a good investment in 2026?

Savings bonds are excellent for safety and guaranteed returns. Series I bonds at 4.03% with inflation protection are competitive with high-yield savings accounts but offer better long-term tax benefits. Series EE bonds' doubling guarantee provides 3.53% effective return risk-free. They're ideal for emergency funds, education savings, and conservative portfolio allocation, though they shouldn't be your only investment.

Can I lose money on savings bonds?

No, U.S. Savings Bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government and cannot lose value. They're one of the safest investments available. The principal is guaranteed, and interest only increases the value. The only risk is inflation eroding purchasing power on Series EE bonds, which is why Series I bonds include inflation protection.

How are savings bonds taxed?

Interest on savings bonds is subject to federal income tax but exempt from state and local taxes. You can defer federal tax until redemption or final maturity. If used for qualified education expenses and you meet income requirements, interest may be completely tax-free under the Education Tax Exclusion. This makes savings bonds highly tax-efficient compared to bank accounts or corporate bonds.

What is the maximum I can invest in savings bonds?

In 2026, you can purchase up to $10,000 in Series EE bonds, $10,000 in Series I electronic bonds, and $5,000 in Series I paper bonds (using tax refund) per Social Security Number per calendar year. This totals $25,000 maximum annually. Married couples can each purchase the maximum, allowing $50,000 total household investment in savings bonds yearly.

When will my Series EE bond double in value?

The U.S. Treasury guarantees that all Series EE bonds will double in value after exactly 20 years from the issue date. If the bond's interest rate doesn't naturally double the value in 20 years, the Treasury makes a one-time adjustment to bring it to double the purchase price. This guarantee applies regardless of the stated interest rate and provides an effective minimum 3.53% annual return.