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Bond Calculator

How It Works

A bond is a safe and steady way to grow your money over time.This calculator helps you estimate your total return from a bond based on the face value, how much you pay for it, the interest rate (called the “coupon”), and how long you plan to hold it.

Just enter the bond’s purchase price, interest rate, and time until maturity. The calculator will show you the total interest earned and how much you’ll get back at the end.

What Is a Bond, Anyway?

A bond is basically a loan: you’re lending money to a government or company, and they agree to pay you interest over time and return the full amount (called the “face value”) when the bond reaches its maturity date. Bonds are generally considered lower risk than stocks, making them a popular option for conservative investors, retirees, or anyone who wants to balance out a portfolio.

Why Buy a Bond?

Let’s say you purchase a bond with a $1,000 face value for only $400. You’ll still earn interest based on the full face value. Plus, when the bond matures, you get the full $1,000 back.

Example:

A $400 investment in a 3-year bond with a 2.5% annual coupon earns you $25 a year in interest. That’s $77 total interest over the life of the bond—and a total return of $1,077 when the bond matures.

Why Consider Bonds?

Bonds are a great option if you:

  • Want reliable income through regular interest payments
  • Prefer lower-risk investments
  • Are saving for a known future goal (like college or retirement)
  • Need a cushion against more volatile investments

Heads Up

If you’re buying on the secondary market, the price may vary. But if you buy directly (a primary market bond), you’ll typically pay face value. Either way, this calculator helps you see how it all adds up.

Disclaimer
While we hope you find this content useful, it is only intended to serve as a starting point. Your next step is to speak with a qualified, licensed professional who can provide advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Nothing in this article, nor in any associated resources, should be construed as financial or legal advice. Furthermore, while we have made good faith efforts to ensure that the information presented was correct as of the date the content was prepared, we are unable to guarantee that it remains accurate today.

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