Mutual Fund Returns Calculator – Estimate Your Gains
Use our mutual fund returns calculator (SIP & lumpsum) to estimate how your investment could grow over time. India-specific, accurate, easy to use.
Mutual Fund Returns Calculator (India)
Wondering how much your mutual fund investment can grow? Use our Mutual Fund Returns Calculator to estimate future value, returns, and growth — for both SIP and lump sum modes — customized for Indian investors.
Why Use a Mutual Fund Returns Calculator?
Mutual fund returns depend on multiple variables: how much you invested, for how long, and at what rate. Instead of manual formulae, a calculator helps you quickly see projections and compare scenarios. This is especially useful for goal planning — e.g., how much to invest now to reach ₹1 crore in 15 years.
How Returns Are Calculated (Formulas & Concepts)
LumpSum / One-time Investment
For a lump sum investment, the future value is calculated using compound growth:
FV = P × (1 + r)^n
Where:
- P = principal amount (initial investment)
- r = expected annual return rate (decimal form, e.g. 0.10 for 10%)
- n = number of years invested
SIP / Periodic Investment
For SIP investments (regular monthly or periodic contributions), the formula is:
FV = A × [ ( (1 + i)^n – 1 ) / i ] × (1 + i)
Where:
- A = periodic investment amount (e.g. monthly)
- i = rate of return per period (monthly rate = annual / 12 adjusted for compounding)
- n = total number of periods (e.g. months)
In practice, for SIPs, many calculators use XIRR or internal rate of return methods to account for actual cash flows. ([ET Money](https://www.etmoney.com/tools-and-calculators/mutual-fund-calculator?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
How to Use This Tool — Step by Step
- Select whether you want to use “LumpSum” or “SIP” investment mode.
- Enter the amount you will invest (principal or periodic amount).
- Enter the expected annual rate of return (for example, 8%, 10%, 12%).
- Enter the investment duration (in years, months as appropriate).
- Click “Calculate” to view projections: final value, total investment, returns earned.
- Optionally, change inputs to compare multiple scenarios.
Example Scenarios
Example 1 — LumpSum: You invest ₹2,00,000 for 10 years at 10% return.
- Future Value ≈ 2,00,000 × (1.10)10 = ₹5,18,742
- Returns earned ≈ ₹3,18,742
Example 2 — SIP: You invest ₹5,000 per month for 10 years at 10% return.
- Total invested = ₹5,000 × 120 = ₹6,00,000
- Projected value ≈ ₹10,50,000 (approx, using formula) — returns ~ ₹4,50,000
Interpreting the Results
- Total Invested: Sum of principal payments or periodic contributions.
- Returns Earned: The growth above principal (difference between final value and invested amount).
- Final Value: The projected value of your investment at the end of the tenure.
Because mutual funds are market-linked, actual returns may deviate year by year. Use this as a guide, not a guarantee.
Common Mistakes & Assumptions
- Assuming constant return rate every year — in reality, returns fluctuate by year.
- Ignoring expense ratio, fund fees, and taxes — our calculation is gross, before charges.
- Using simple division of annual rate by 12 for monthly rate — instead, convert properly with compounding.
- Not accounting for inflation — nominal returns may not reflect real purchasing power.
- Expecting past performance to repeat — mutual funds carry risk and variability.
SIP vs LumpSum: Which to Use & When
Use SIP if you prefer spreading risk over time (rupee cost averaging). Use LumpSum when you have a large amount ready and favorable market conditions. Many investors compare both scenarios using calculators to decide their strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which method gives higher returns — SIP or LumpSum?
Neither always wins. LumpSum might outperform in rising markets, but SIP helps mitigate timing risk in volatile conditions. Use the calculator to compare scenarios.
What is CAGR vs XIRR?
CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) is used for lump sum growth. XIRR is used for irregular or periodic cash flows (like SIP), giving a more accurate annualized return considering timing. ([ET Money FAQ](https://www.etmoney.com/tools-and-calculators/mutual-fund-calculator?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Does this include fund expense ratio & charges?
No — this version shows gross projections before fees and taxes. To get net returns, subtract expected charges manually.
How accurate is this projection?
It's an estimate. Real returns depend on market performance, volatility, fund management, inflation and many other factors.
Should I recalculate often?
Yes — whenever market expectations, your investment amount, or tenure change — it’s good to revisit projections.
Related Tools & Resources
- SIP / Systematic Investment Plan Calculator
- LumpSum Investment Calculator
- Inflation Impact Calculator
- AMFI – Mutual Funds India (Industry Association)
Disclaimer: This mutual fund returns calculator provides projections based on your inputs and assumed rates. It does not account for fund fees, taxes, or market volatility. Use the results as rough guidance, not guarantees.
Last updated: October 2025