Post Judgment Interest Calculator
Calculate post-judgment interest on court-awarded damages from the judgment date to the payment date. Determine total amount owed including accrued interest at statutory rates with instant results and charts.
About This Calculator
The Post Judgment Interest Calculator helps creditors, legal professionals, and anyone involved in civil litigation determine the amount of interest that has accrued on a court judgment between the date it was entered and the date it is actually paid. When a court awards damages to a plaintiff, the defendant is expected to pay the full amount promptly. However, if payment is delayed, post-judgment interest compensates the creditor for the time value of money lost during the delay period.
The calculation uses the standard simple interest formula: Interest = Judgment Amount × Annual Interest Rate × Days / 365. The annual interest rate is typically set by statute or specified in the court order. The number of days is calculated as the difference between the payment date (or writ date) and the judgment date. The result includes the accrued interest amount, the total amount now owed (principal plus interest), the daily accrual rate, and a complete breakdown.
Regional Notes
India: Under Section 34 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, courts typically award post-judgment interest at 6% per annum from the decree date until realization. For commercial disputes under the Commercial Courts Act, the rate may be higher — up to the contractual rate or the current repo rate plus margin.
United States: Federal post-judgment interest is governed by 28 U.S.C. § 1961 and uses the weekly average 1-year constant maturity Treasury yield. Each state also has its own post-judgment interest rate statute. For example, California applies 10% per annum, while New York applies 9%. Always verify the specific rate for your jurisdiction.
United Kingdom: Under the Judgments Act 1838 (High Court) and County Courts Act 1984, post-judgment interest is set at 8% per annum. The rate applies from the date of judgment until the debt is satisfied in full. This rate is set by statutory instrument and may be updated periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is post-judgment interest and how is it calculated?
Post-judgment interest is the interest that accrues on a court judgment from the date the judgment is entered until the date the payment is actually made. It is calculated using the formula: Post-judgment interest = Judgment amount × Annual interest rate × Days between judgment and payment / 365. The interest compensates the creditor for the time value of money lost due to the delayed payment.
What is the current federal post-judgment interest rate in the US?
In the United States, the federal post-judgment interest rate is set by the Treasury Department and published by the Administrative Office of the US Courts. The rate is based on the weekly average 1-year constant maturity Treasury yield. As of 2025, this rate typically ranges between 4% and 5.5%. State courts may use different rates, so check your jurisdiction's specific statutory rate.
How is post-judgment interest calculated in India?
In India, post-judgment interest is awarded under Section 34 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. Courts typically award interest at 6% per annum from the date of decree until realization, though the rate may vary based on the nature of the claim and court discretion. Commercial disputes may attract higher rates up to the contractual rate or the current market rate.
How is post-judgment interest calculated in the UK?
In the UK, post-judgment interest on High Court and County Court judgments is set at 8% per annum under the Judgments Act 1838 (for High Court) and County Courts Act 1984 (for County Court). The interest runs from the date the judgment was given until the date it is paid in full. Parties can also agree to a different contractual rate if specified in the original agreement.
What is the difference between pre-judgment and post-judgment interest?
Pre-judgment interest covers the period between when the cause of action arose (when the damage occurred) and the date the judgment is entered. Post-judgment interest covers the period between the judgment date and the actual payment date. Pre-judgment interest compensates for losses before the court ruling, while post-judgment interest compensates for delays after the judgment. Both are types of statutory interest defined by law.
Can post-judgment interest be compounded?
In most jurisdictions, post-judgment interest is simple interest, not compound interest. The interest is calculated on the principal judgment amount only, not on previously accrued interest. However, some contracts or specific statutes may allow for compound post-judgment interest. Check your local court rules and the specific judgment terms to determine if compounding applies in your case.
How do I know which interest rate applies to my judgment?
The applicable post-judgment interest rate depends on your jurisdiction. For federal cases in the US, the rate is published by the Administrative Office of the US Courts. For state cases, each state sets its own statutory rate. In India, Section 34 CPC generally sets 6% per annum. In the UK, the Judgments Act rate is 8%. Always consult the specific statute or court order governing your judgment to determine the correct rate.
Does post-judgment interest apply to the entire judgment amount?
Yes, post-judgment interest generally applies to the entire judgment amount, including any pre-judgment interest awarded, costs, and fees that are part of the judgment. The interest accrues on the total sum stated in the judgment from the date it is entered by the court until the date it is fully satisfied. Partial payments reduce the principal balance on which future interest accrues.