Savings Bond Value Estimator
Calculate the estimated current value of your US Savings Bonds
Series EE
Series I
Series E
25
50
75
100
200
500
1000
5000
10000
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Purchase Price:
Interest Earned:
Estimated Current Value:
Total Increase:
How Savings Bond Values are Calculated
The value of a US Savings Bond depends heavily on three factors: the bond series, the issue date, and the face value. Unlike a bank account, interest on savings bonds is not paid out regularly; instead, it is added to the value of the bond and paid when the bond is cashed (redeemed).
Series EE Bonds: If issued between May 1980 and April 2012, these were paper bonds purchased at half their face value (e.g., you paid $25 for a $50 bond). Since May 2012, they are electronic and purchased at full face value. EE bonds are guaranteed to double in value after 20 years, regardless of the fixed rate.
Series I Bonds: These are purchased at face value. Their interest rate is a composite of a fixed rate and an inflation rate that is adjusted every six months. This protects your purchasing power over time.
Key Timing Rules
- The 5-Year Rule: If you cash a bond before it is 5 years old, you forfeit the last 3 months of interest.
- The 30-Year Limit: Most Series EE and I bonds stop earning interest after 30 years. If your bond is older than 30 years, it is likely "mature" and should be cashed immediately.
- Taxation: Interest earned is subject to federal income tax but exempt from state and local taxes.
Example Calculation
Suppose you have a Series EE bond with a $100 Denomination issued in May 2000:
- Purchase Price: $50.00 (Paper EE bonds were half-price).
- Guaranteed Double: By May 2020, the bond reached its $100 face value.
- Current Status: It continues to earn interest on that $100 until it reaches its 30-year maturity in 2030.