What is SIP? A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a method of investing a fixed amount regularly — weekly, monthly, or quarterly — in a mutual fund. SIPs are one of the most popular investment options for Indian investors because they make investing disciplined and affordable. If you want to escalate your investments annually, consider a [Step-Up SIP](/calculator/step-up-sip). You don't need a large sum to start; even ₹500/month compounding over 20 years can create significant wealth.
This SIP Return Calculator estimates the future value of your monthly SIP investments, showing you exactly how much your money grows at different return rates and time horizons.
How Does the SIP Calculator Work?
The SIP calculator uses the future value of annuity formula below. A key point: the monthly rate must be calculated geometrically, not by simply dividing the annual rate by 12. For example, a 12% annual return is NOT 1%/month — the correct monthly rate is (1+0.12)^(1/12) - 1 = 0.9489%/month. Using 1%/month inflates results and is incorrect.
M = P × ({[1 + i]^n – 1} / i) × (1 + i)Where:
- • M = Maturity amount (future value)
- • P = Monthly SIP amount
- • i = Monthly rate = (1 + Annual Rate/100)^(1/12) – 1
- • n = Total months = Years × 12
- • Example: 12% annual → i = (1.12)^(1/12) – 1 = 0.9489% per month
- Rupee Cost Averaging: When NAV is low, your fixed SIP buys more units. When NAV is high, it buys fewer. Over time, this averages your cost and reduces timing risk.
- Power of Compounding: Returns earned each year themselves earn returns in subsequent years — this is why long tenures dramatically multiply wealth.
- Flexibility: Unlike FDs, you can pause, increase, or stop SIPs anytime without penalty (subject to exit load if within 1 year for equity funds).
- Tax Efficiency: Equity mutual fund SIPs held over 1 year attract only 12.5% LTCG tax on gains above ₹1.25 lakh — far lower than FD interest taxed at your income slab.
Example: ₹10,000/month SIP for 15 Years
Amit, a 28-year-old software engineer, starts a SIP of ₹10,000 per month in a large-cap equity mutual fund expecting 12% p.a. returns.
• Total Invested: ₹18,00,000 (over 15 years)
• Returns Earned: ₹32,45,760
• Total Corpus: ₹50,45,760
Amt's money nearly tripled — he earned ₹32 lakh on ₹18 lakh invested, purely through compounding.
What if he had put the same ₹18L in a Bank FD at 7%? → Maturity: ~₹37 lakh. SIP wins by ₹13+ lakh.
SIP vs Lumpsum vs Bank FD: Which is Better?
Comparing ₹12 lakh invested over 10 years across three options (12% for equity, 7% for FD):
| Parameter | SIP (₹10K/mo) | Lumpsum (₹12L) | Bank FD (₹12L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | ₹12,00,000 | ₹12,00,000 | ₹12,00,000 |
| Maturity Value | ₹23,23,391 | ₹37,27,020 | ₹23,61,624 |
| Risk Level | Medium (Market) | High (Timing) | Zero |
| Tax on Gains | 12.5% LTCG (above ₹1.25L) | 12.5% LTCG | As per income slab |
| Timing Risk | Low (Rupee Avg) | High | None |
Frequently Asked Questions
⚠️ Disclaimer
The figures provided by this calculator are estimates based on the inputs you provide and standard financial formulas. STOCKCALC.IN does not offer investment advice. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.