CD Ladder Calculator
Staggered maturities, each rung's value, and how often cash comes back to you.
| Rung | Amount | Term | APY | At maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10,000 | 12 mo | 4.50% | $10,450 |
| 2 | $10,000 | 24 mo | 4.30% | $10,878 |
| 3 | $10,000 | 36 mo | 4.20% | $11,314 |
| 4 | $10,000 | 48 mo | 4.10% | $11,744 |
| 5 | $10,000 | 60 mo | 4.00% | $12,167 |
A ladder exists so you never have to guess where rates go next. One long CD locks you out if rates rise; one short CD hands everything back if they fall. Staggered maturities put a slice back in your hands every 12 months to reinvest at whatever is then on offer.
Worked example. $50,000 split into five rungs of $10,000 maturing one year apart. The one-year rung at 4.5% matures at $10,450; the five-year rung at 4.0% reaches $12,167. Once the ladder is running, $10,000 becomes available every twelve months to spend or roll forward.
Frequently asked questions
Why ladder instead of one CD?
Because nobody knows where rates go. One long CD locks you out of higher rates; one short CD hands everything back just as rates fall. A ladder reinvests a slice continuously, so you capture an average rather than betting on a single moment.
What happens when a rung matures?
Roll it into a new CD at the longest term in your ladder. After one full cycle every rung earns the longest-term rate while you still get access at the original interval, which is the whole benefit of the structure.
Are CDs better than a high-yield savings account?
Sometimes. CDs lock the rate, which is valuable when rates are falling and a liability when they rise. Savings accounts stay liquid but reprice immediately. A ladder is a middle path, and early withdrawal penalties are the price of the locked rate.
Are CDs insured?
Bank CDs are FDIC insured to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per ownership category, and credit union certificates carry equivalent NCUA coverage. Above those limits, spread across institutions.
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Calculators model hypothetical outcomes from the inputs you provide. They are informational only, not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice.