Post-Judgment Interest Calculator
1. Introduction
A Post-Judgment Interest Calculator helps creditors, debtors, and legal professionals determine the additional interest that accrues on a court-ordered judgment until it is fully paid. Post-judgment interest compensates the winning party for the time value of money while awaiting payment.
2. How Post-Judgment Interest Works
Applies after a court judgment is entered (unlike pre-judgment interest, which applies before the ruling).
Mandatory in most jurisdictions unless waived by law or contract.
Calculated daily based on the judgment amount and statutory rate.
Continues to accrue until the debt is satisfied.
3. Key Features of a Post-Judgment Interest Calculator
Input Fields
Judgment Amount ($) – The principal amount awarded by the court.
Interest Rate (%) – Either a fixed statutory rate (e.g., federal rate is 5.28% as of 2024) or a rate specified by state law.
Judgment Date – The date the court issued the ruling.
Payment Date (or Current Date) – The date the debt is paid (or present date if unpaid).
Compounding Frequency – Some states use simple interest, while others allow compounding (annually, monthly, or daily).
Output Results
Total Accrued Interest – Interest accumulated since the judgment date.
Total Amount Owed – Judgment amount + accrued interest.
Daily Interest Rate – Helps track ongoing accrual.
Breakdown by Period – Shows interest growth over time.
4. How to Calculate Post-Judgment Interest
Formula (Simple Interest)
Example Calculation
Judgment Amount: $10,000
Annual Interest Rate: 7% (state-mandated)
Judgment Date: January 1, 2023
Payment Date: June 1, 2024
Days Outstanding: 517
Total Owed = $10,000 + $991.51 = $10,991.51
5. Variations by Jurisdiction
| Jurisdiction | Interest Rate (2024 Examples) | Compounding? |
|---|---|---|
| Federal (U.S.) | 5.28% (T-bill rate + 3%) | Simple |
| California | 10% (fixed) | Simple |
| New York | 9% (fixed) | Simple |
| Texas | 5% or contract rate | Simple |
| Florida | 4.75% (variable) | Simple |
Always check current state laws, as rates may change annually.
6. How to Use a Post-Judgment Interest Calculator
Enter the judgment amount awarded by the court.
Input the applicable interest rate (federal or state-mandated).
Set the judgment date and payment date (or current date if unpaid).
Select compounding method (if applicable).
Review results to see total interest and updated debt.
7. Practical Applications
✔ Creditors – Track how much a debtor owes over time.
✔ Debtors – Estimate the cost of delaying payment.
✔ Attorneys – Calculate accurate settlement demands.
✔ Courts – Verify compliance with interest awards.
8. Limitations & Considerations
⚠ State Laws Differ – Some states cap rates or exclude certain debts.
⚠ Partial Payments – May reduce principal, lowering future interest.
⚠ Statute of Limitations – Some judgments expire if not enforced.