Each U.S. state sets its own post-judgment rate (often 6–12% or tied to a market rate); federal judgments use 28 U.S.C. § 1961. Check the rate that applies to your judgment – this calculator uses simple interest unless you choose annual compounding.
How to use the Post-Judgment Interest Calculator
- Judgment amount
- Post-judgment interest rate
- Judgment date
- Payment date
- Interest method
- Payments already made
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter the judgment amount, the interest rate, the judgment date, the payment date and the method.
Tips
- Compare loans by APR and total cost, not just the monthly payment.
- Extra payments go straight to principal and can save a lot of interest.
- Pay off the highest-rate debt first if you want to save the most money.
- Check for prepayment penalties before paying a loan off early.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Stretching a loan term to lower the payment without seeing the extra interest.
- Paying only the minimum on credit cards.
- Forgetting fees that are rolled into the loan.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Judgment amount | Amount in your currency |
| Post-judgment interest rate | In % |
| Judgment date | A date |
| Payment date | A date |
| Interest method | Choose one: Simple interest (most states), Compounded annually (federal) |
| Payments already made | Amount in your currency |
What each result means
- Days of interest = max([Payment date] – [Judgment date], 0)
- Daily interest = [Judgment amount]×[Post-judgment interest rate]÷36500
- Total amount due = [Judgment amount] + [Interest accrued] – [Payments already made]
Example values
How the main result changes when Judgment amount changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Judgment amount | Interest accrued |
|---|---|
| 25,000 | 3,150 |
| 37,500 | 4,725 |
| 50,000 | 6,300 |
| 62,500 | 7,875 |
| 75,000 | 9,450 |
| 100,000 | 12,600 |
Formula
Days = payment date − judgment dateDaily interest = judgment × rate ÷ 365Interest = daily interest × days (simple interest)Federal courts: rate = weekly average 1-year Treasury yield before the judgment, compounded annuallyWorked example
Inputs — Judgment amount: $50,000; Post-judgment interest rate: 9 %; Judgment date: 2025-06-01; Payment date: 2026-10-25; Interest method: Simple interest (most states); Payments already made: $0.
Results — Days of interest = 511; Daily interest = $12.33; Interest accrued = $6,300.00; Total amount due = $56,300.00.
Frequently asked questions
What is post-judgment interest?
Interest that accrues on a court judgment until it is paid.
What rate applies?
It's set by state law or, for federal courts, 28 U.S.C. § 1961.
Is it simple or compound interest?
Usually simple; federal judgments compound annually.
What formula does the Post-Judgment Interest Calculator use?
Days = payment date − judgment date.