Child Trust Fund Calculator — Check What Your CTF Is Worth — UK 2026
Estimate the maturity value of your Child Trust Fund. See how your CTF has grown and what happens when you turn 18 and can access the money.
Child Trust Funds were long-term savings accounts for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011. The government provided a £250 voucher (£500 for low-income families) at birth and age 7. Now that CTF holders are turning 18 many are discovering accounts worth £1000-£3000+ depending on whether additional contributions were made. Over 6 million accounts exist with approximately £9 billion in total savings.
How much is my Child Trust Fund worth?
With only the government vouchers (£500 total) and no additional contributions: in a cash CTF at 3% average interest the balance is approximately £750-£850. In a stocks and shares CTF at 7% average: approximately £1200-£1800. If parents contributed £100/month additionally the balance could be £15000-£25000 depending on investment type and duration.
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Understanding Your Investment Returns
This calculator projects your returns using compound interest, where your earnings generate their own earnings over time. The power of compounding means that even small regular investments can grow into substantial wealth over long periods. For example, investing just Rs 5,000 per month at 12% expected returns for 25 years can grow to over Rs 1 crore — of which only Rs 15 lakh is your own money and Rs 85 lakh is compounding returns. The key factors that determine your final corpus are: the amount invested, the rate of return, the duration of investment, and the frequency of compounding.
Important Considerations
Past returns do not guarantee future performance, especially for market-linked instruments like mutual funds and equities. The returns shown are estimates based on the rate you enter. Equity investments carry market risk but have historically delivered 12-15% CAGR over 15+ year periods in India. Fixed income options like PPF (7.1%) and FD (6-7.5%) offer lower but more predictable returns. Diversifying across asset classes — equity, debt, gold, and real estate — reduces overall portfolio risk while optimizing returns for your risk tolerance.
Key Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Government Voucher (Birth) | £250 (£500 low-income) |
| Government Voucher (Age 7) | £250 (£500 low-income) |
| Total Government Contribution | £500 - £1000 |
| Access Age | 18 years old |
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Use Calculator NowFrequently Asked Questions
How much is my Child Trust Fund worth?
With only the government vouchers (£500 total) and no additional contributions: in a cash CTF at 3% average interest the balance is approximately £750-£850. In a stocks and shares CTF at 7% average: approximately £1200-£1800. If parents contributed £100/month additionally the balance could be £15000-£25000 depending on investment type and duration.
How do I find a lost Child Trust Fund?
Contact HMRC online at gov.uk to trace your CTF. You need the child National Insurance number (received at age 16) and personal details. HMRC will tell you which provider holds the account. Many CTF accounts are with providers the parents chose years ago and the child may not even know the account exists. Over £2 billion sits in unclaimed CTFs.
What can I do with my CTF at 18?
At 18 you can: withdraw all the money (tax-free) transfer to an adult ISA (Stocks and Shares or Cash ISA) to continue tax-free growth keep it invested in the CTF (though no further contributions allowed) or a combination. Financial advisors recommend transferring to a Stocks and Shares ISA rather than withdrawing as the money continues growing tax-free.
What is compound interest and why does it matter?
Compound interest means you earn interest on your interest, not just your principal. Over long periods, this creates exponential growth — even small regular investments can grow into substantial wealth over 15-25 years.
Should I invest regularly or as a lump sum?
Regular investing (dollar-cost averaging) smooths out market volatility by buying at various price points. Lump sum investing works better if markets are undervalued. For most people, regular monthly investing is simpler and more disciplined.
How much should I invest monthly to reach my goal?
The amount depends on your target, timeline, and expected returns. Use this calculator to model different scenarios. The key factors are starting early, investing consistently, and reinvesting returns.
Are investment returns taxable?
Tax treatment varies by investment type and country. Capital gains, dividends, and interest income may be taxed differently. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation and jurisdiction.
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Last updated: March 2026