SIP Calculator
Estimate systematic investment plan growth, total invested capital, and long-term compounding with the WealthCalcLab SIP calculator.
Updated April 10, 2026
What this calculator does
This SIP calculator projects how a regular monthly investment can grow over time when returns compound and contributions continue consistently. It is especially useful for long-term accumulation planning, retirement investing, and goal-based investing.
The power of a SIP is usually not the first few months of growth. It is the discipline of recurring contributions combined with a long compounding runway. That makes time horizon and contribution increases just as important as the assumed return.
If you expect to raise your SIP amount every year, the step-up option helps you model a more realistic progression rather than assuming your contribution stays flat forever.
This page is built for users who need a defensible planning answer, not just quick arithmetic. It translates "Monthly SIP amount", "Expected annual return", and "Investment horizon" into "Projected value", "Invested capital", and "Estimated gain" so the trade-off is visible in one place instead of being hidden behind a single number.
How to use it
Enter your monthly SIP amount, expected annual return, and investment horizon.
Add an initial lump sum or annual step-up percentage in Advanced options if those apply to your plan.
Compare invested capital and projected value to understand how much of the final number comes from market growth.
Start with "Monthly SIP amount", "Expected annual return", and "Investment horizon", then check whether the first output cards already answer your question. After that, add advanced assumptions such as "Starting lump sum" and "Annual SIP step-up" only when they are real enough to change the decision.
Method
Monthly projection = prior value × (1 + monthly return) + SIP amountA simulation approach is used because it handles step-up contributions cleanly and produces clear year-by-year output.
Methodology
The calculator simulates the investment monthly using an effective monthly growth rate derived from the annual return assumption.
If a step-up is entered, the monthly SIP amount increases once per year after each completed 12-month block.
This is a planning estimate. Actual market returns are volatile and will not arrive in a straight line.
The model maps "Monthly SIP amount", "Expected annual return", and "Investment horizon" into "Projected value", "Invested capital", and "Estimated gain" using the formulas shown on the page. Keeping those relationships visible makes it easier to separate the core economics from the optional adjustments and to understand which assumption is actually moving the answer.
Worked example
A 1,000 monthly SIP over 15 years can build meaningful wealth, but the outcome changes quickly when the horizon is extended to 20 or 25 years.
Adding an annual step-up can be more impactful than chasing a slightly higher return assumption because it increases the capital base contributing to future growth.
How to interpret the results
Projected value is the estimated ending portfolio size. Invested capital is the amount you put in directly. Estimated gain is the difference created by market growth.
The value multiple helps you compare scenarios quickly, especially when testing different horizons or step-up rates.
Read "Projected value" first, then use the other summary cards, the chart, and the detailed table to judge contributions, growth, and future purchasing power. In most finance decisions, the best option is the one that stays strong across the full picture, not just the one with the most attractive first number.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the expected return will arrive evenly every year in live markets.
- Ignoring the role of time horizon and focusing only on monthly contribution size.
- Using an aggressive return assumption to force-fit a target value.
Key terms
Quick definitions for the finance terms that matter on this page.
SIP
A disciplined plan of investing a fixed amount regularly, usually each month.
Step-up
A periodic increase in the contribution amount, often used to match rising income over time.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers on assumptions, interpretation, and the limits of each estimate.
Can I use this SIP calculator without a lump sum?
Yes. The initial investment is optional and can be set to zero if you are starting only with monthly contributions.
Does the step-up happen every month?
No. In this model it happens once per year, which matches how many investors review and increase their SIP.
Is the projected value guaranteed?
No. It is an estimate based on a steady assumed annual return, while real investment performance fluctuates.
Why is the time horizon so important?
Because compounding accelerates later in the journey. Extending the timeline can have a larger impact than many people expect.
Which inputs change "Projected value" the most?
Start with "Monthly SIP amount", "Expected annual return", and "Investment horizon". Those assumptions usually drive "Projected value" far more than any optional adjustment. Once the base case is right, use advanced inputs only to reflect real fees, taxes, or timing differences.
What does "Projected value" tell me in practical terms?
"Projected value" is the fastest read on the outcome, but it should not be treated as the whole decision by itself. Use it as the headline number, then read the chart, table, and other summary cards to understand what is happening underneath.
Why should I look at "Invested capital" as well as "Projected value"?
Because "Projected value", "Invested capital", and "Estimated gain" answer different parts of the same decision. A scenario can look good on the first number and still be weak once timing, total cost, or long-run value is included.
When should I use "Starting lump sum"?
Use advanced fields such as "Starting lump sum" and "Annual SIP step-up" when they are real and material in your case. If you are still exploring, leave them at zero first so the base case stays easy to interpret.
What happens if the advanced options stay at zero?
Then the calculator runs a simpler base case using the main inputs only. That is often the best place to start, because it makes it easier to see what changes once optional costs, fees, taxes, or adjustments are layered in.
Does the chart add anything beyond the summary cards?
Yes. The chart shows how the result develops over time, which is often the real decision point. It is especially useful when two scenarios have a similar headline result but very different timing or cost patterns.
What is the detailed table useful for?
Use the table when you need the period-by-period breakdown behind the summary. That is usually where users spot front-loaded interest, a slow payoff path, a contribution gap, or the exact point where one scenario becomes better than another.
Should I compare more than one sip scenario?
Yes. A base case and one stressed case usually give a much better planning view than a single run. Change one major assumption at a time so you can see what is actually responsible for the difference.
Related calculators
Continue your planning with tools that answer the next logical question.
Compound Interest Calculator
Project future value, total contributions, and compounding growth with optional monthly additions and inflation adjustment.
Retirement Calculator
Project retirement savings, estimated retirement income, and the gap between your target lifestyle and projected portfolio.
CAGR Calculator
Calculate compounded annual growth rate between a starting value and an ending value over time.
ROI Calculator
Measure return on investment, net profit, and annualized performance from a starting cost and ending value.
Important disclaimer
For Belgium, confirm local treatment of product fees, tax treatment, contribution timing, and inflation assumptions before using the output for a final application, filing, or contract decision.