Interest paid on public debt (% of GDP) in the United States

In 2025, general government gross interest payments as a share of GDP in the United States was 4.72 %, down from 4.77 % in 2024. Explore the historical series and compare the United States with other economies below.

Interest paid on public debt (% of GDP)

Gross interest payments by the general government

United States

Year	%
2025	4.72
2024	4.77
2023	4.38
2022	3.71
2021	3.59
2020	3.81
2019	4.10
2018	4.00
2017	3.91
2016	3.92
2015	3.82
2014	3.98
2013	4.07
2012	4.33
2011	4.43
2010	4.31
2009	4.29
2008	4.01
2007	4.15
2006	4.06
2005	4.00
2004	3.93
2003	4.15
2002	4.14
2001	4.35
2000	4.53

How United States compares

Interest paid on public debt (% of GDP) compared with other countries

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Interest paid on public debt (% of GDP)

About this indicator

This indicator measures gross interest payments by the general government as a percentage of GDP. It shows how much the consolidated public sector pays in interest on its liabilities in a given year, relative to the size of the economy. Amounts are gross: they do not deduct interest received on government financial assets.
The series refers to the general government sector, a consolidation of central, state, and local government, plus social security funds. A higher ratio usually reflects a combination of higher government debt, higher interest rates, or both.

Sources and updates

Data sources

The data for this indicator are drawn from the OECD Economic Outlook.

Last update

This indicator was last updated on Econorama on 18 June 2026 and reflects the latest data available from the underlying sources at that time.