CD Ladder Calculator
2026 rulesSplit your money across CD terms and see the blended yield and when each rung matures.
Your numbers
Result
Blended yield
- Per rung$10,000
- Interest in the first year$1,870
- Cash available each year$10,000
- Reinvest each maturing CD at 5 years3.60%
Your ladder
| CD | Deposit | Rate | At maturity | Matures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $10,000 | 4% | $10,400 | 2027 |
| 2 year | $10,000 | 3.80% | $10,774 | 2028 |
| 3 year | $10,000 | 3.70% | $11,152 | 2029 |
| 4 year | $10,000 | 3.60% | $11,520 | 2030 |
| 5 year | $10,000 | 3.60% | $11,934 | 2031 |
How it works
A ladder splits savings across several maturities so part of the money comes due every year. When a CD matures, you reinvest it at the longest term, and after a few years every rung earns the long-term rate while you still get yearly access.
The blended yield is the average of the rates, weighted by how much sits in each CD.
2026 figures: TreasuryDirect Series I rate chart.
Questions
Are CDs insured?
Bank CDs are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per ownership category. Credit union certificates have the same NCUA coverage.
What if I need the money early?
Most CDs charge an early-withdrawal penalty of a few months' interest. Brokered CDs can be sold instead, possibly at a loss.