SIP Calculator
Estimate returns from a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). Enter monthly amount, expected return, and duration to see projected wealth accumulation.
Calculator
Adjust values & calculate📈 SIP Growth
Growth Over Time
Formula
Future Value equals monthly investment (P) multiplied by the compound growth factor. Here, r is the monthly rate of return (annual rate ÷ 12) and n is the total number of months. The final (1+r) accounts for returns on the last installment.
Last reviewed: January 2026
Worked Examples
Example 1: Long-Term Wealth Building
Example 2: Step-Up SIP Comparison
Example 3: Goal-Based SIP Planning
Background & Theory
A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a disciplined approach to mutual fund investing that harnesses the power of compounding and rupee cost averaging. Understanding SIP mechanics helps investors make informed decisions and set realistic expectations. **How SIP Works:** You authorize an automatic monthly/quarterly deduction from your bank account to purchase mutual fund units at the current NAV (Net Asset Value). Each installment buys units at prevailing prices, averaging your cost over time. **The SIP Formula:** **Future Value (FV) = P × [{(1+r)^n - 1}/r] × (1+r)** Where: - P = Monthly investment amount - r = Monthly rate of return (annual rate ÷ 12) - n = Number of months **Rupee Cost Averaging Example:** | Month | NAV | ₹5,000 Buys | Units | |-------|-----|-------------|-------| | 1 | ₹50 | ₹5,000 | 100 | | 2 | ₹40 | ₹5,000 | 125 | | 3 | ₹55 | ₹5,000 | 90.9 | | 4 | ₹45 | ₹5,000 | 111.1 | | **Total** | Avg: ₹47.50 | **₹20,000** | **427** | Average cost per unit: ₹46.84 (below arithmetic mean of ₹47.50) **Power of Compounding:** | Monthly SIP | 10 Years | 20 Years | 30 Years | |-------------|----------|----------|----------| | ₹5,000 | ₹11.6L | ₹49.9L | ₹1.76 Cr | | ₹10,000 | ₹23.2L | ₹99.9L | ₹3.53 Cr | | ₹20,000 | ₹46.5L | ₹2 Cr | ₹7.06 Cr | *(Assuming 12% annual returns)* **Types of SIPs:** 1. **Regular SIP:** Fixed amount at fixed intervals 2. **Flexible SIP:** Vary amount based on market conditions 3. **Step-up SIP:** Automatic annual increase (5-15%) 4. **Perpetual SIP:** No end date, continues indefinitely 5. **Trigger SIP:** Invests when market hits certain levels **Fund Categories for SIP:** | Category | Risk | Expected Returns | Minimum Horizon | |----------|------|------------------|-----------------| | Large Cap | Low-Medium | 10-12% | 5+ years | | Flexi Cap | Medium | 11-13% | 5+ years | | Mid Cap | Medium-High | 12-15% | 7+ years | | Small Cap | High | 14-18% | 10+ years | | ELSS (Tax) | Medium | 11-14% | 3+ years (lock-in) | | Debt | Low | 6-8% | 3+ years | **Key SIP Benefits:** 1. Discipline: Automates investing 2. Affordability: Start small 3. Averaging: Reduces timing risk 4. Compounding: Long-term wealth creation 5. Flexibility: Pause, increase, or stop anytime **Common SIP Mistakes to Avoid:** 1. Stopping during market downturns (worst time to stop!) 2. Not increasing SIP with income growth 3. Too many funds (3-4 is sufficient) 4. Ignoring expense ratios 5. Short investment horizons for equity funds
History
The Systematic Investment Plan concept evolved from the principle of dollar-cost averaging, first described by Benjamin Graham in 'The Intelligent Investor' (1949). Graham advocated for regular, fixed-amount investments to avoid the pitfalls of market timing. Mutual funds themselves originated in the Netherlands in 1774, and the first modern open-end fund appeared in the US in 1924 (Massachusetts Investors Trust). However, structured investment plans for regular investors developed much later. In India, mutual funds began with Unit Trust of India (UTI) in 1963, but were government-controlled until 1993. The liberalization era brought private mutual funds, and by the early 2000s, SIPs gained popularity as fund houses promoted them to retail investors. The real SIP revolution in India came after 2010, driven by increased financial literacy, online investment platforms, and demonstrable long-term returns from equity funds. SEBI's investor protection measures and simplified KYC further boosted adoption. From 2014 to 2024, monthly SIP contributions in India grew from ₹1,200 crore to over ₹20,000 crore, reflecting massive retail participation. The COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in young investors starting SIPs, with the average age of new investors dropping significantly. Today, SIP is synonymous with retail mutual fund investing in India, serving as the primary wealth-building tool for millions of middle-class families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Formula
FV = P × [{(1 + r)^n – 1} / r] × (1 + r)Future Value equals monthly investment (P) multiplied by the compound growth factor. Here, r is the monthly rate of return (annual rate ÷ 12) and n is the total number of months. The final (1+r) accounts for returns on the last installment.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Long-Term Wealth Building
Problem:Calculate the corpus from ₹5,000/month SIP for 10 years at 12% expected returns.
Solution:Monthly investment (P): ₹5,000\nAnnual return: 12%\nMonthly rate (r): 12%/12 = 1% = 0.01\nPeriod (n): 10 years = 120 months\n\nFV = 5000 × [{(1.01)^120 – 1}/0.01] × 1.01\nFV = 5000 × [{3.30 – 1}/0.01] × 1.01\nFV = 5000 × 230.04 × 1.01\nFV = ₹11,61,695\n\nTotal invested: ₹6,00,000\nReturns earned: ₹5,61,695\nWealth gain: 93.6%
Result:₹11.62 lakh from ₹6 lakh invested (93.6% wealth gain)
Example 2: Step-Up SIP Comparison
Problem:Compare regular ₹10,000/month SIP vs step-up (10% annual increase) over 15 years at 12% returns.
Solution:Regular SIP: ₹10,000/month × 180 months\nTotal invested: ₹18,00,000\nFuture Value: ₹50,45,760\n\nStep-Up SIP (10% increase annually):\nYear 1: ₹10,000, Year 2: ₹11,000... Year 15: ₹37,975\nTotal invested: ₹38,21,447\nFuture Value: ₹1,01,27,892\n\nDifference: Step-up builds 2× the corpus!
Result:Regular: ₹50.5L | Step-up: ₹1.01 Cr (2× more wealth)
Example 3: Goal-Based SIP Planning
Problem:How much monthly SIP is needed to accumulate ₹1 crore in 20 years at 12% returns?
Solution:Target amount (FV): ₹1,00,00,000\nTime: 20 years = 240 months\nExpected return: 12% annual = 1% monthly\n\nUsing reverse SIP formula:\nP = FV ÷ [{(1+r)^n - 1}/r × (1+r)]\nP = 1,00,00,000 ÷ [{(1.01)^240 - 1}/0.01 × 1.01]\nP = 1,00,00,000 ÷ 989.26\nP = ₹10,109\n\nRequired monthly SIP: ~₹10,100
Result:SIP ₹10,100/month for 20 years = ₹1 Crore
Frequently Asked Questions
What returns can I expect from SIP investments?
Historical equity mutual fund returns in India have averaged 12-15% annually over 10+ years, though past performance doesn't guarantee future returns. Large-cap funds: 10-12%, mid-cap: 12-15%, small-cap: 14-18% (with higher volatility). Debt funds typically return 6-8%. The key is staying invested for the long term to ride out market fluctuations.
Is SIP better than lump sum investment?
Neither is universally better - it depends on your situation. SIP advantages: reduces timing risk, enforces discipline, works with regular income, averages out volatility. Lump sum advantages: can outperform in rising markets, full capital deployed immediately. Studies show lump sum wins ~66% of the time in rising markets, but SIP provides psychological comfort and suits most salaried investors.
How does rupee cost averaging work in SIP?
With SIP, you buy more units when prices are low and fewer when high, automatically averaging your cost. Example: ₹5000/month. Month 1: NAV ₹50, you get 100 units. Month 2: NAV ₹40, you get 125 units. Month 3: NAV ₹60, you get 83 units. Total: ₹15,000 invested, 308 units, average cost ₹48.70/unit (below arithmetic mean of ₹50).
What is the minimum amount to start a SIP?
Most mutual funds allow SIPs starting from ₹500/month, with some offering ₹100/month options. For meaningful wealth creation, aim for at least ₹5,000-10,000/month if possible. The key is to start early and increase SIP amounts as your income grows. Even small amounts compound significantly over 15-20 years.