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CD Ladder Calculator
Split your money into CDs maturing a year apart. Set each rung's APY to see the blended yield, per-rung schedule, and total at maturity.
Short answer
A CD ladder divides your deposit into equal rungs maturing 1, 2, 3… years out, so one CD comes due every year while the longer rungs lock in higher rates. Its return is the deposit-weighted blended APY of the rungs — build yours below.
Blended APY
4.84%
Total at maturity
$29,107.02
Total interest
$4,107.02
| Rung | Deposit | APY | Value at maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-year CD | $5,000.00 | 4.00% | $5,200.00 |
| 2-year CD | $5,000.00 | 4.50% | $5,460.12 |
| 3-year CD | $5,000.00 | 5.00% | $5,788.13 |
| 4-year CD | $5,000.00 | 5.20% | $6,123.97 |
| 5-year CD | $5,000.00 | 5.50% | $6,534.80 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a CD ladder?+
A CD ladder splits your money across several CDs with staggered maturities — for example five equal deposits maturing in 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years. One CD matures every year, giving you regular access to cash, while the longer rungs earn higher long-term rates. As each short CD matures, you reinvest it into a new long-term rung to keep the ladder rolling.
How does a CD ladder work?+
Divide your total into equal parts and open a CD for each rung at 1 year, 2 years, and so on. Each year the nearest CD matures; you either take the cash or roll it into a new top rung (e.g. a fresh 5-year CD). Over time every rung earns the top long-term rate while you still get liquidity once a year. This calculator shows the deposit-weighted blended APY across your rungs.
Is a CD ladder better than one CD?+
A ladder trades a little yield for a lot more flexibility. A single long CD may pay the highest headline rate, but your money is locked up the whole term and you pay a penalty to break it early. A ladder gives you access to a portion each year and averages out rate changes, so you're not betting everything on today's rate. Compare the blended APY here against a single CD to see the trade-off.
How much does a CD ladder earn?+
It depends on your total, the number of rungs, and each rung's APY. The blended APY is the deposit-weighted average of your rungs, and the total at maturity is the sum of each rung grown by its own rate and term. Enter your numbers above to see the exact blended yield and per-rung schedule.
Estimates for planning only, not financial advice. Assumes each rung's APY is fixed and held to maturity; figures are pre-tax. Enter the rates your bank quotes for an accurate result.