Judgment Interest Calculator - Pennsylvania

Under 42 Pa. C.S. § 8101, the lawful rate of interest in Pennsylvania in 2026 is six percent (6%) per year simple interest for most judgments without an express contract rate. If the contract expressly provides a different rate, that rate may govern when enforceable. This is among the lowest fixed statutory judgment rates in the United States—below New York nine percent, Illinois nine percent, and Florida CFO quarterly rates. Confirm the judgment and underlying contract before quoting six percent in a payoff letter. Document principal, rate category, payment chronology, and governing statute on every demand letter or payoff quote. Partial payments reduce the principal base prospectively under simple interest math. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not replace advice from a licensed attorney familiar with your court, claim type, and docket. Verify official statute text and court rules before filing, settling, or enforcing.

Use simple interest: Interest equals principal times rate times years. Fifty thousand dollars at six percent for two years equals six thousand dollars ($50,000 × 0.06 × 2). Partial periods may use daily accrual: (Principal × 6%) ÷ 365. If a contract rate applies instead of § 8101, substitute that rate with counsel approval. TheLegalCalc multiplies your inputs. Partial payments reduce principal going forward. Document principal, rate category, payment chronology, and governing statute on every demand letter or payoff quote. Partial payments reduce the principal base prospectively under simple interest math. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not replace advice from a licensed attorney familiar with your court, claim type, and docket. Verify official statute text and court rules before filing, settling, or enforcing.

Post-judgment interest generally begins on the date of the verdict or the date of the judgment, depending on the case stage and court order. Read the signed judgment and docket. Pre-judgment contract interest may use the express contract rate or § 8101 when silent. Personal injury delay damages follow Pa. R.C.P. 238 at prime plus one percent—a different framework from § 8101. Build a chronology before demanding interest in execution. Document principal, rate category, payment chronology, and governing statute on every demand letter or payoff quote. Partial payments reduce the principal base prospectively under simple interest math. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not replace advice from a licensed attorney familiar with your court, claim type, and docket. Verify official statute text and court rules before filing, settling, or enforcing.

42 Pa. C.S. § 8101 describes a simple annual lawful rate on principal in routine planning without mandating compounding. Contracts could provide compound terms if lawful. This calculator uses simple interest only. Do not capitalize interest into principal without authority. Document principal, rate category, payment chronology, and governing statute on every demand letter or payoff quote. Partial payments reduce the principal base prospectively under simple interest math. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not replace advice from a licensed attorney familiar with your court, claim type, and docket. Verify official statute text and court rules before filing, settling, or enforcing.

Interest may accrue while principal remains unpaid, but 42 Pa. C.S. § 5526 limits execution to five years unless properly renewed. Interest planning must coordinate with renewal and Magisterial District Court or Common Pleas enforcement. Long-unpaid judgments at six percent still require viable execution rights. Document principal, rate category, payment chronology, and governing statute on every demand letter or payoff quote. Partial payments reduce the principal base prospectively under simple interest math. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not replace advice from a licensed attorney familiar with your court, claim type, and docket. Verify official statute text and court rules before filing, settling, or enforcing.

Parties may settle and waive post-judgment interest subject to authority and bankruptcy rules. Specify whether § 8101 six percent stops on payment. If a contract rate applied prejudgment, clarify whether post-judgment reverts to § 8101 or continues the contract rate. Consult Pennsylvania counsel before satisfaction. Document principal, rate category, payment chronology, and governing statute on every demand letter or payoff quote. Partial payments reduce the principal base prospectively under simple interest math. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not replace advice from a licensed attorney familiar with your court, claim type, and docket. Verify official statute text and court rules before filing, settling, or enforcing.