Post-Judgment Interest Calculator
Enter the original judgment amount, the annual interest rate, the date judgment was entered, and the date interest is calculated through. The calculator returns the daily accrual, total interest accumulated, and the current judgment balance. Scroll down for a year-by-year growth schedule and a full worked-example of the math.
What is post-judgment interest?
Post-judgment interest is the interest that continues to accumulate on a court-awarded judgment from the date the judgment is entered until it is fully paid. It serves two purposes: it compensates the winning party (creditor) for the economic cost of waiting to receive payment, and it creates a financial incentive for the losing party (debtor) to pay promptly rather than delay. In the United States, post-judgment interest is governed by statute, either at the federal level (28 U.S.C. Section 1961 for federal courts) or by individual state law. Unlike pre-judgment interest, which covers the period before the court ruling, post-judgment interest begins only after judgment is entered and continues until the debt is satisfied in full.
How to calculate post-judgment interest
The standard formula used by most U.S. courts is simple interest: multiply the judgment principal by the annual interest rate (expressed as a decimal), divide by 365 to get the daily rate, and then multiply by the number of calendar days that have elapsed. For example, a judgment of $25,000 at 8.5% per year accrues $25,000 x 0.085 / 365 = $5.82 per day. After 365 days (one full year) that is $2,125 in interest, making the total owed $27,125. Federal judgments are the notable exception: 28 U.S.C. Section 1961(b) directs that interest be computed daily to the date of payment and compounded annually, which grows faster than simple interest because each year's interest is added back to the principal before the next year is calculated.
Partial payments and the outstanding balance
When a debtor makes partial payments, those payments are applied first to accrued interest and then to principal, unless the judgment or applicable law specifies otherwise. This calculator lets you enter the total amount already paid to see the remaining balance. If you need to track payments made on specific dates - which affects whether payments are applied to interest or principal first - keep a ledger showing the date and amount of each payment, and apply each payment against the balance on that specific date before continuing to accrue interest on the remainder.
Federal vs. state post-judgment interest rates
Federal courts use the weekly average one-year constant-maturity Treasury yield, published by the Federal Reserve every Monday and available at uscourts.gov. This rate can be quite low during periods of accommodative monetary policy. Section 1961(b) also fixes the mechanics: interest is computed daily to the date of payment and compounded annually, so a federal judgment is not a simple-interest calculation. State courts generally set their own statutory rates, many of which are fixed and far exceed the federal rate. California uses 10% per year, New York uses 9%, and Texas allows up to 18%. Some states tie their rate to a benchmark like the prime rate plus a fixed margin, so the rate changes each year or quarter. Always verify the applicable rate for your jurisdiction and year with official court resources or an attorney.
Post-judgment interest rates by U.S. jurisdiction (common examples)
| Jurisdiction | Statutory Rate (approx.) | Compounding | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Courts | Weekly 1-year CMT yield | Compounded annually | 28 U.S.C. § 1961(b): computed daily, compounded annually |
| California | 10% per year | Simple (CCP § 685.010) | Fixed statutory rate |
| New York | 9% per year | Simple (CPLR 5004) | Applies to most civil judgments |
| Texas | 18% or contract rate | Simple | Texas Fin. Code § 304.001 |
| Florida | Prime + 4% (adj.) | Simple | Adjusted quarterly by Comptroller |
| Illinois | 9% per year | Simple (735 ILCS 5/2-1303) | Fixed statutory rate |
| Michigan | 5% + prime rate | Simple | MCL 600.6013; varies yearly |
| New Jersey | 7.25% (approx.) | Simple | Set annually by court rules |
Rates vary by state and change periodically. Always verify the current statutory rate with your court or a licensed attorney.
Frequently asked questions
When does post-judgment interest start accruing?
Post-judgment interest begins on the date the judgment is entered by the court, not the date the case was filed or the date of the underlying event. The exact starting date matters because even one additional day of accrual can represent significant money on a large judgment, especially at higher rates.
What is the difference between pre-judgment and post-judgment interest?
Pre-judgment interest covers the period from when the underlying obligation arose (such as the date of an accident or breach of contract) until the date judgment is entered. Post-judgment interest covers the period from the date judgment is entered until full payment is made. Different rates and rules often apply to each phase, and not all jurisdictions award pre-judgment interest automatically.
Do I have to pay post-judgment interest even in bankruptcy?
In general, unsecured judgment creditors stop accruing post-judgment interest once a debtor files for bankruptcy. However, secured creditors may be entitled to continuing interest up to the value of their collateral. Bankruptcy law is complex, and the treatment of post-judgment interest depends on the chapter filed and the nature of the debt. Consult a bankruptcy attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Can the post-judgment interest rate be changed after the judgment is entered?
Usually not, because the statutory rate in effect on the date judgment is entered typically locks in for that judgment. However, if the rate is tied to a floating index such as the federal T-bill rate, it adjusts with the index over time. Some jurisdictions allow parties to stipulate to a different rate in a settlement agreement entered after judgment.
What happens to post-judgment interest if I appeal the judgment?
Interest generally continues to accrue during an appeal on any amount not stayed or superseded. If the judgment debtor posts an appeal bond or obtains a stay, accrual may be paused or directed to the bond proceeds. If the debtor loses the appeal, interest that accrued during the appeal period is typically added to the judgment. If the debtor wins and the judgment is reduced, interest is recalculated on the reduced amount.
Does this calculator apply compound or simple interest?
You can choose. Federal judgments are compounded annually: 28 U.S.C. Section 1961(b) says interest "shall be computed daily to the date of payment ... and shall be compounded annually," so select "Compounded annually" for a federal case. Most state statutes are simple interest, including California at 10% under CCP Section 685.010 and New York at 9% under CPLR 5004. Use the compounding selector to match your jurisdiction, and confirm the rule with the court clerk if you are unsure.