Each Ladder Rung Has Its Own Rate and Maturity
The calculator uses only the rates you explicitly enter for the ladder rungs. It does not invent 9-month, 18-month or other rates by interpolating between unrelated quoted terms.
Because ladder rungs mature at different dates, the tool keeps their values associated with those dates rather than presenting them as one simultaneous maturity event.
A ladder is mainly a way to manage timing. Instead of placing all the money into one maturity date, you divide it across several CDs so part of the portfolio becomes available at regular intervals. The trade-off is that each rung may have a different rate and the rates available when a CD matures are unknown today. The calculator can compare the structure using today's assumptions, but it cannot know the reinvestment rate you will receive in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the calculator supply market CD rates automatically?
No. Use APYs you have verified for the terms you are considering.
What risk does a CD ladder not remove?
Reinvestment risk. When a rung matures, the new CD rate available at that time may be higher or lower than the rate assumed today.
Methodology & Related Tools
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