SGB Calculator



How does the SGB calculator work?

Our SGB calculator provides two dedicated calculation modes designed to match how you invest in Sovereign Gold Bonds:

When should I use the Primary SGB calculator? Most used

If you purchased an SGB directly from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) through banks, Post Offices, or SHCIL during a primary subscription tranche, you should use the Primary Sovereign Gold Bond calculator.

The RBI issues each release under a specific series name (e.g., 2023-24 Series IV). When you select the series name, we automatically populate the official price per gram and coupon schedule. You can apply the ₹50 per gram online discount if you applied digitally. The calculator computes your exact semi-annual interest payout and provides the specific calendar months when interest will be credited to your bank account.

When should I use the Secondary SGB calculator?

If you purchased an SGB in demat form from the secondary stock market (NSE or BSE) through trading platforms like Zerodha, Groww, Angel One, or Upstox, or if you already know your nominal investment amount, you should use the Secondary Sovereign Gold Bond calculator.

Important Rule: SGB interest is always calculated at 2.50% per annum on the nominal issue price of that tranche, not on the market price you paid on the stock exchange.

Understanding Sovereign Gold Bond Returns

A Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) provides returns through two distinct streams:

  1. Fixed Semi-Annual Interest (2.50% p.a.): The Government of India pays simple interest of 2.50% per year on the initial nominal issue price. This is paid in two half-yearly installments (1.25% every 6 months) directly into your bank account.
  2. Gold Price Capital Appreciation (Tax-Free): At maturity (8 years) or upon premature redemption after 5 years, your bonds are redeemed at the prevailing market price of 999 purity gold published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA). For individuals, all capital gains at redemption are 100% tax-free.

SGB Returns Calculation Formula & Example

To calculate overall returns using a sovereign gold bond returns calculator, combine the cumulative semi-annual interest with the capital gains at redemption:

Total Return = Cumulative 2.5% Interest + ( Redemption Price − Issue Price ) × Units

Example (₹1,00,000 Investment for 8 Years):

  • Investment Amount: ₹1,00,000 (20 grams at ₹5,000/g)
  • Semi-Annual Interest: ₹1,250 every 6 months (₹2,500 per year)
  • Total 8-Year Interest: ₹20,000
  • Redemption Value (assuming gold at ₹7,500/g): ₹1,50,000
  • Total Maturity Corpus: ₹1,50,000 + ₹20,000 = ₹1,70,000 (70% total return, tax-free capital gains)

SGB Returns & Payout Reference Table

Here is a reference breakdown of semi-annual interest earnings and estimated 8-year maturity values across common investment amounts:

Investment (₹) Gold Quantity Semi-Annual Payout 8-Year Total Interest Maturity Value (at ₹7,500/g) Total Return
₹50,000 10 grams ₹625 ₹10,000 ₹75,000 ₹85,000
₹1,00,000 20 grams ₹1,250 ₹20,000 ₹1,50,000 ₹1,70,000
₹2,50,000 50 grams ₹3,125 ₹50,000 ₹3,75,000 ₹4,25,000
₹5,00,000 100 grams ₹6,250 ₹1,00,000 ₹7,50,000 ₹8,50,000
₹10,00,000 200 grams ₹12,500 ₹2,00,000 ₹15,00,000 ₹17,00,000

Tax Rules on Sovereign Gold Bonds

  • Capital Gains at Maturity: Under Section 47(viic) of the Income Tax Act, capital gains on redemption at maturity (8 years) or via RBI's premature exit window (5th year onwards) are completely exempt from tax for individual investors.
  • 2.5% Annual Interest: Taxable under 'Income from Other Sources' at your applicable income tax slab rate. There is no TDS deducted on interest payouts.
  • Secondary Market Trading: If sold on the stock exchange before maturity, Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) tax applies if held for more than 12 months.

SGB vs Physical Gold vs Gold ETFs

Feature Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) Physical Gold Gold ETFs
Annual Yield +2.50% per year 0% 0%
Capital Gains Tax at Maturity 100% Tax-Exempt Taxable Taxable
Making / Storage Charges Zero 8% - 25% + Locker Fees 0.5% - 1% Expense Ratio
Purity Guarantee 999 Purity (Govt. Backed) Subject to Hallmarking 995+ Purity

Frequently Asked Questions


How to Calculate Sovereign Gold Bond Interest?

SGB interest is calculated at a fixed rate of 2.50% per annum on the original nominal issue price (face value) of the bond. The annual interest is divided into two equal half-yearly installments (1.25% every 6 months) and credited directly to your bank account.

What is the Rate of Interest for SGB?

There is a 2.50% annual simple interest paid on the nominal investment amount, whether you buy from the Primary Market during RBI subscription or from the Secondary Market on stock exchanges.

Does SGB Use Simple Interest (SI) or Compound Interest (CI)?

Simple Interest is used to calculate Sovereign Gold Bond interest. The 2.50% rate is calculated strictly on the initial nominal price and is paid out semi-annually without compounding.

When is the Sovereign Gold Bond Interest Credited?

SGB interest is credited every 6 months from the date of issue of that specific tranche. When you use our primary calculator, we show the exact calendar months when interest will be credited to your bank account.

Should I Pay income tax on SGB Interest?

Yes, you are required to pay tax on SGB annual interest based on your income tax slab under 'Income from Other Sources'. There is no TDS deducted on SGB interest payouts.

Are capital gains on SGB tax-free at maturity?

Yes. Under Section 47(viic) of the Income Tax Act, any capital gains realized upon redemption at maturity (8 years) or during RBI's premature redemption window (after 5 years) are 100% tax-free for individual investors.

How is the SGB redemption price determined at maturity?

The redemption price is fixed in Indian Rupees based on the simple average of the closing price of 999 purity gold published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) for the previous 3 working days.

If I buy SGB from the secondary market, what price is interest calculated on?

Interest is always calculated on the original nominal issue price (face value) set by RBI for that specific tranche, NOT on the trading price you paid on broker platforms like Zerodha or Groww.