Savings Bond Calculator

Bond Value Calculator — How to Estimate Your Savings Bond Value

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This guide explains how the savings bond value calculator works, what each input means, and how to interpret the results.

What This Calculator Does

The calculator on the home page estimates the current value of a US Series EE or Series I savings bond based on the series, face value, and issue date. It applies the published rate rules from TreasuryDirect.gov, shows a year-by-year value table, and displays the formula. For the precise cent-accurate value, the tool links directly to TreasuryDirect's official calculator.

Understanding Each Input

Series (EE or I)

The series is printed on the front of paper bonds. The two series have different interest mechanics:

  • Series EE: Fixed annual rate + 20-year doubling guarantee.
  • Series I: Composite rate combining a fixed rate and a variable inflation component (CPI-U), which adjusts every six months.

Face Value (Denomination)

The dollar amount printed on the bond. EE bonds are purchased at half face value — a $100 EE bond costs $50. I bonds are purchased at face value — a $100 I bond costs $100. The calculator uses the correct purchase price as starting principal for each series.

Issue Date

The month and year the bond was purchased. This determines which rate applies. Rates are announced on May 1 and November 1 each year. For EE bonds, the issue date also determines whether the 20-year doubling guarantee applies (bonds issued since May 2005 qualify).

Reading the Results

  • Estimated Value Today — the tool's best estimate of the current redemption value, including any early redemption penalty if held under 5 years.
  • Purchase Price Paid — the original cost (face value ÷ 2 for EE; face value for I).
  • Estimated Gain — accumulated interest to date (pre-tax).
  • Maturity Status — whether the bond is earning, how far to the EE doubling milestone, or whether it has reached the 30-year final maturity.
  • Stops Earning — the year the bond reaches 30-year final maturity and stops accumulating interest.

The Year-by-Year Table

The table shows estimated bond value at key checkpoints — every year for the first five years, then at 5-year intervals, with callouts for the 20-year EE milestone and 30-year final maturity. The "Today" row is highlighted.

Limitations

  • I bond historical rates: Each I bond earns a unique composite rate for every 6-month period based on actual CPI-U data. This tool uses the current composite rate (4.26% as of May 2026) as an approximation. Actual past values will vary.
  • Older EE bonds (pre-May 2005): These earned variable market-based rates tied to 5-year Treasury yields. The tool approximates with the current legacy rate (3.39% as of May 2026).
  • Tax: Values shown are pre-tax. Interest is subject to federal income tax in the year of redemption.

For the Exact Value

The official TreasuryDirect Savings Bond Calculator uses complete historical rate data and gives the precise redemption value to the cent. Always verify before making a redemption decision.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What inputs does the savings bond calculator need?

You need three pieces of information: the bond series (EE or I), the face value (denomination) printed on the bond, and the issue date (month and year). The issue date is printed on the front of paper bonds and shown in your TreasuryDirect account for electronic bonds.

Why is my result different from what TreasuryDirect shows?

This calculator uses the published rate rules as an approximation. For Series I bonds, it applies the current composite rate rather than the exact historical rate for each 6-month period. For older EE bonds issued before May 2005, variable market-based rates are approximated. For the cent-accurate redemption value, use the official TreasuryDirect Savings Bond Calculator.

What does face value mean on a savings bond?

Face value (also called denomination or par value) is the dollar amount printed on the bond. For Series EE bonds, the face value is twice what you paid — a $100 EE bond costs $50. For Series I bonds, the face value equals the purchase price — a $100 I bond costs $100.

How do I find my bond's issue date?

For paper bonds, the issue date is printed on the front near the serial number. For electronic bonds held in TreasuryDirect, log in and navigate to your bond inventory — each bond lists its issue date. TreasuryDirect customer service (844-284-2676) can assist with lookups.