Updated 21 October 2026

Quick answer: A SIP (systematic investment plan) calculator estimates what a fixed monthly investment could grow to. For example, investing ₹10,000 a month for 15 years at an assumed 12% annual return would grow to about ₹50.5 lakh, of which ₹18 lakh is your own money and about ₹32.5 lakh is estimated returns. Use the free calculator below to try your own numbers, including a yearly step-up and the effect of inflation.

Estimated value—
Total invested—
Estimated returns—
Value in today's money—
InvestedReturns
Year-by-year table
YearMonthly SIPInvested so farValue at year end

Estimates assume a steady return and an investment at the start of each month. Real returns vary year to year and are not guaranteed.

How to Use This SIP Calculator

  1. Monthly investment: the amount you plan to invest each month.
  2. Expected return: the average yearly return you assume. Equity mutual funds have historically delivered higher but more volatile returns than debt funds; many people test a range, such as 8%, 10% and 12%, rather than relying on one number.
  3. Time period: how many years you'll keep investing.
  4. Yearly step-up: how much you'll increase your SIP each year, for example 10% as your salary rises. Leave it at 0 for a flat SIP.
  5. Inflation: used to show what the final amount would be worth in today's money.

The results update instantly. Open the year-by-year table to see how the value grows, and notice how most of the growth happens in the later years. That's compounding at work.

The SIP Formula

For a flat SIP invested at the start of each month, the future value is:

FV = P × [((1 + r)n − 1) ÷ r] × (1 + r)

  • P is the monthly investment
  • r is the monthly rate of return (annual rate ÷ 12)
  • n is the number of months

With ₹10,000 a month, 12% a year (r = 1% a month) and 15 years (n = 180): 1.01180 ≈ 5.996, so FV ≈ 10,000 × 499.6 × 1.01 ≈ ₹50.46 lakh. The calculator uses the same approach, month by month, so it can also handle a yearly step-up.

Some calculators assume the investment is made at the end of each month, which gives a slightly lower figure. Neither is wrong; they just make different assumptions.

Worked Examples

The Power of Starting Early

Two friends each invest ₹5,000 a month, assuming 12% a year. One starts at 25 and invests until 60 (35 years). The other starts at 35 (25 years). Using the formula above, the first would have roughly ₹3.2 crore and the second roughly ₹95 lakh. The early starter invested ₹6 lakh more but ended up with more than three times as much, because the money had ten extra years to compound.

The Power of a Step-Up

A ₹10,000 monthly SIP for 20 years at 12% grows to about ₹1 crore. Increasing the SIP by 10% every year raises the final value to roughly ₹2 crore. Try it in the calculator: set 20 years and a 10% step-up.

Why Inflation Matters

₹50 lakh in 15 years won't buy what ₹50 lakh buys today. At 6% inflation, it would be worth about ₹21 lakh in today's money. Always check the "today's money" figure when planning goals like retirement or a child's education.

Tips for Getting the Most From a SIP

  • Be realistic about returns. Test lower returns as well as higher ones so a weak decade doesn't derail your plan.
  • Keep investing during market falls. SIPs buy more units when prices are low, which is called rupee cost averaging. Stopping during a fall gives up that benefit.
  • Step up with your income. Even a 5% to 10% yearly increase makes a big difference.
  • Match the fund to the goal. Equity funds suit long-term goals of seven years or more; shorter goals usually need lower-risk options.
  • Watch costs. Direct plans of mutual funds have lower expense ratios than regular plans, which adds up over decades.
  • Diversify. Our guide to portfolio diversification explains how to spread risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the SIP calculator result guaranteed?

No. It's an estimate based on a constant return. Market-linked investments go up and down, and actual returns can be higher or lower.

What return should I assume?

There's no single right number. Many people test a range. Look at the fund category's long-term history, remember that past returns don't guarantee future ones, and be conservative for important goals.

Is SIP better than lumpsum?

It depends on whether you have a lump sum available and how comfortable you are with timing risk. Our comparison of lumpsum vs SIP explains the trade-offs.

Can I use this calculator outside India?

Yes. Choose $, € or £ as the currency. The maths is the same for any regular monthly investment, such as a 401(k) contribution or an ISA.

How is tax handled?

The calculator shows pre-tax values. Tax on mutual fund gains depends on the fund type, holding period and current rules in your country.

Related Guides

This calculator is for education only and isn't personalised financial advice. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks.