Do I have to split deposits equally?

This tool assumes equal splits for simplicity. Adjust rungs/rates or run multiple scenarios for uneven splits.

Can I add more than four rungs?

Set rungs to your desired count and fill rates in order. (Interface currently shows four inputs—extend as needed.)

Does this include compounding differences?

No. It uses APY as provided. Actual compounding is reflected inside APY from banks.

Penalties for early withdrawal?

Not included. Avoid early withdrawals to preserve yield; check your bank’s penalty rules.

How do I maintain the ladder?

When a rung matures, roll it into a new longest-term CD to keep maturities staggered and yield higher.

finance calculator

CD Ladder Calculator

Model a CD ladder with equal deposits across rungs to see per-rung share and blended yield.

Results

Deposit per rung: $5,000
Weighted average yield: 4.67%

How to use this calculator

Enter total deposit and the number of rungs.
Enter rates for each rung (shortest to longest).
See deposit per rung and the blended ladder yield.

Inputs explained

Total deposit: Total cash you’re splitting across CDs.
Number of rungs: How many CDs in the ladder; deposits split equally.
Rung rates: APY for each CD term from shortest to longest.

How it works

Deposit is divided equally by number of rungs.

Weighted yield = sum(rung deposit × rung rate) ÷ total deposit.

Formula

Rung share = Deposit ÷ Rungs
Weighted yield = Σ(rung share × rate) ÷ Deposit

When to use it

Comparing a ladder’s blended yield to a single-term CD.
Planning liquidity by staggering maturities while improving yield.
Testing how higher long-term rates change your overall ladder return.

Tips & cautions

Keep terms staggered (e.g., 3, 6, 12, 24 months) so one CD matures regularly.
Reinvest maturing rungs into the longest term to maintain the ladder once built.
APYs differ by bank and term—enter current offers for accuracy.
Assumes equal deposits and no penalties/early withdrawals.
Ignores taxes and compounding differences between simple/compound APYs.
Only four rate inputs shown; adjust rungs/rates as needed for your plan.

Worked examples

$20k ladder, 4 rungs: 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.2%

Rung share = $5,000
Weighted yield ≈ (5,000×0.04 + 5,000×0.045 + 5,000×0.05 + 5,000×0.052) ÷ 20,000 ≈ 4.625%

$30k ladder, 3 rungs: 4.2%, 4.8%, 5.1%

Rung share = $10,000
Weighted yield ≈ (10,000×0.042 + 10,000×0.048 + 10,000×0.051) ÷ 30,000 ≈ 4.7%

Deep dive

This CD ladder calculator splits your deposit equally across rungs and shows the per-rung share and blended yield, making it easy to compare ladders to single-term CDs.

Use it to plan staggered maturities for liquidity while boosting average yield with longer-term rungs.

FAQs

Do I have to split deposits equally?: This tool assumes equal splits for simplicity. Adjust rungs/rates or run multiple scenarios for uneven splits.
Can I add more than four rungs?: Set rungs to your desired count and fill rates in order. (Interface currently shows four inputs—extend as needed.)
Does this include compounding differences?: No. It uses APY as provided. Actual compounding is reflected inside APY from banks.
Penalties for early withdrawal?: Not included. Avoid early withdrawals to preserve yield; check your bank’s penalty rules.
How do I maintain the ladder?: When a rung matures, roll it into a new longest-term CD to keep maturities staggered and yield higher.

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Illustrative only. Rates, compounding, and penalties vary by bank. Confirm terms with your institution before investing.