FinanceChk

    SIP Calculator

    Calculate returns from your Systematic Investment Plan

    Average SIP Returns

    12-15% p.a.

    Minimum Investment

    ₹500/month

    Tax Benefits

    ELSS: 80C

    SIP Calculator
    Calculate your SIP returns and plan your investments

    Minimum: ₹500 | Recommended: ₹5,000+

    Recommended: 5+ years for better returns

    Equity funds: 12-15% | Debt funds: 6-8% | Hybrid: 8-12%

    What is SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)?

    A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a disciplined investment approach that allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. It's designed to help you build wealth systematically over time through the power of compounding and rupee cost averaging.

    Key Benefits of SIP

    • • Disciplined investment habit
    • • Rupee cost averaging
    • • Power of compounding
    • • Flexibility in investment amount
    • • No need to time the market

    How SIP Works

    • • Fixed amount deducted monthly
    • • Units purchased at current NAV
    • • More units when prices are low
    • • Fewer units when prices are high
    • • Average cost reduces over time

    SIP Formula Explained

    The SIP maturity calculation uses the future value of annuity formula:

    FV = P × (((1 + r)^n - 1) / r) × (1 + r)

    Where:

    • FV = Future Value (Maturity Amount)

    • P = Monthly Investment Amount

    • r = Monthly Rate of Return (Annual Rate ÷ 12)

    • n = Total Number of Months

    Example Calculation

    Let's calculate SIP returns for ₹5,000 monthly investment for 15 years at 12% annual return:

    Given: P = ₹5,000, Annual Return = 12%, Period = 15 years

    Monthly Rate: r = 12% ÷ 12 = 1% = 0.01

    Total Months: n = 15 × 12 = 180 months

    Calculation:

    FV = 5,000 × (((1.01)^180 - 1) / 0.01) × 1.01

    FV = 5,000 × 578.75 × 1.01

    FV = ₹29,23,000 (approx)

    SIP vs Lump Sum Investment
    AspectSIP InvestmentLump Sum Investment
    Investment AmountSmall regular amountsLarge one-time amount
    Market TimingNot requiredCritical for returns
    RiskLower due to averagingHigher market risk
    FlexibilityHigh - can modify/stopLow - money locked
    Best ForRegular income earnersLarge capital available

    Pro Tip: Rupee Cost Averaging

    SIP automatically implements rupee cost averaging - you buy more units when NAV is low and fewer units when NAV is high. This averaging effect reduces the impact of market volatility and can lead to better long-term returns compared to trying to time the market.

    Types of SIP Investment Plans

    Regular SIP

    Fixed amount invested every month. Most common and straightforward SIP type.

    • • Consistent monthly investment
    • • Easy to budget and plan
    • • Best for beginners

    Step-up SIP

    Investment amount increases periodically (usually annually). Our calculator supports this feature.

    • • Amount increases yearly
    • • Matches salary increments
    • • Higher wealth creation

    Flexible SIP

    Allows you to increase, decrease, or skip SIP installments as needed.

    • • Adjust amount as needed
    • • Skip installments if required
    • • Good for irregular income

    Trigger SIP

    Investments triggered when market reaches certain levels or when NAV falls below a threshold.

    • • Market condition based
    • • NAV trigger points
    • • For experienced investors

    Perpetual SIP

    SIP without any end date. Continues until you manually stop it.

    • • No fixed tenure
    • • Maximum wealth creation
    • • Long-term wealth building

    STP (Systematic Transfer Plan)

    Transfer fixed amount from one fund to another systematically.

    • • Fund-to-fund transfer
    • • Risk management tool
    • • Profit booking strategy
    Best Fund Categories for SIP Investment

    Large Cap Funds

    Invest in large, established companies. Lower risk, stable returns.

    Expected Returns: 10-12% annually

    Risk Level: Low to Moderate

    Best For: Conservative investors

    Investment Horizon: 3-5 years

    Mid Cap Funds

    Invest in medium-sized companies with growth potential. Moderate risk-reward.

    Expected Returns: 12-15% annually

    Risk Level: Moderate to High

    Best For: Moderate risk appetite

    Investment Horizon: 5-7 years

    Small Cap Funds

    Invest in small companies with high growth potential. Higher risk and returns.

    Expected Returns: 15-18% annually

    Risk Level: High

    Best For: Aggressive investors

    Investment Horizon: 7-10 years

    ELSS Funds (Tax Saving)

    Equity Linked Savings Scheme with tax benefits under Section 80C.

    Tax Benefit: Up to ₹1.5 lakh deduction

    Lock-in Period: 3 years minimum

    Expected Returns: 12-15% annually

    Best For: Tax planning + wealth creation

    Index Funds

    Passively managed funds that track market indices like Nifty 50 or Sensex.

    Expense Ratio: Very low (0.1-0.5%)

    Risk Level: Market-linked

    Expected Returns: 10-12% annually

    Best For: Long-term investors

    Fund Selection Tips for SIP

    Performance Analysis:
    • • Check 5-year and 10-year returns
    • • Compare with benchmark index
    • • Look for consistent performance
    • • Avoid chasing recent top performers
    Fund Fundamentals:
    • • Low expense ratio (<2% for equity)
    • • Experienced fund manager
    • • Large AUM but not too large
    • • Clear investment philosophy
    SIP Tax Benefits and Implications

    Tax Benefits

    ELSS SIP Benefits

    • • Tax deduction up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80C
    • • Shortest lock-in period among 80C investments (3 years)
    • • Tax-free long-term capital gains up to ₹1 lakh annually
    • • LTCG above ₹1 lakh taxed at 10% (without indexation)

    Regular SIP Tax Treatment

    • • No immediate tax benefits on investment
    • • LTCG (>1 year): 10% tax above ₹1 lakh gain annually
    • • STCG (≤1 year): 15% tax on gains
    • • Each SIP installment has separate holding period

    Tax Optimization Strategies

    Smart Tax Planning

    • • Start ELSS SIP early in financial year
    • • Use step-up SIP to increase 80C benefit
    • • Plan redemptions after 1 year to get LTCG benefit
    • • Harvest losses to offset gains

    Advanced Strategies

    • • Use STP to move from debt to equity post-lock-in
    • • Consider dividend option for regular income (taxable)
    • • Time your redemptions across financial years
    • • Maintain separate folios for different goals

    Tax Calculation Example

    Scenario: ₹12,500 monthly ELSS SIP for 10 years

    Investment Benefits:

    • Annual investment: ₹1.5 lakh

    • Tax saving: ₹46,800 (at 30% tax rate)

    • Net annual cost: ₹1.03 lakh

    Maturity Benefits:

    • Total investment: ₹15 lakh

    • Expected value: ₹35 lakh (at 12% return)

    • Tax on LTCG: ~₹2 lakh (10% on ₹19 lakh gain)

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
    What is the minimum amount for starting a SIP?

    Most mutual fund companies allow SIP starting from ₹500 per month. However, for better wealth creation and to see meaningful results, it's recommended to start with at least ₹1,000-₹2,000 per month. Some funds may have higher minimum amounts, typically ₹1,000 or ₹5,000.

    Can I increase or decrease my SIP amount?

    Yes, you can modify your SIP amount. You can:

    • Increase the amount (step-up SIP) annually or as needed
    • Decrease the amount if facing financial constraints
    • Start an additional SIP for the increased amount
    • Stop the current SIP and start a new one with different amount

    Most fund houses allow online modification through their portals or mobile apps.

    What happens if I miss a SIP installment?

    Missing a few SIP installments is generally not a major issue:

    • If there are insufficient funds, the installment is skipped
    • Your SIP continues from the next month
    • Some banks may charge a penalty for bounced transactions
    • If you miss consecutive installments (usually 2-3), the SIP might get cancelled
    • You can restart the SIP anytime without penalty

    It's better to reduce SIP amount temporarily rather than missing installments frequently.

    How accurate is the SIP calculator?

    Our SIP calculator uses the standard financial formula for future value of annuity and provides mathematically accurate projections based on your inputs. However, actual returns may vary because:

    • Market returns are not fixed and fluctuate over time
    • The calculator assumes a constant rate of return
    • Real markets have volatility, economic cycles, and unpredictable events
    • Fund management fees and expense ratios can impact actual returns

    Use the calculator as a planning tool and reference. For equity funds, historical data suggests 12-15% returns over 10+ year periods, but past performance doesn't guarantee future results.

    Is SIP better than lump sum investment?

    Both have their advantages depending on your situation:

    SIP is better when:

    • You have regular income but not large capital
    • You want to reduce market timing risk
    • Markets are volatile or at high levels
    • You want to build discipline and habit

    Lump sum is better when:

    • You have a large amount available
    • Markets are clearly undervalued
    • You have expertise in market timing
    • Investment horizon is very long (15+ years)

    For most investors, SIP is more practical and less stressful. You can also combine both strategies.

    When should I stop or pause my SIP?

    Consider stopping or pausing SIP in these situations:

    • Goal Achievement: When you've reached your financial goal
    • Better Alternatives: Found investments with significantly better risk-adjusted returns
    • Fund Performance: Consistent underperformance for 2-3 years
    • Life Changes: Major financial commitments like home purchase
    • Emergency Needs: Temporary financial stress

    Avoid stopping for: Short-term market volatility, recent poor performance, or panic selling. These are usually temporary and stopping during such times can hurt long-term wealth creation.

    How many SIPs should I run simultaneously?

    The optimal number depends on your investment amount and diversification needs:

    Investment Amount Based:

    • ₹5,000-₹10,000/month: 1-2 SIPs (large cap + mid cap)
    • ₹10,000-₹25,000/month: 2-3 SIPs (large cap + mid cap + ELSS)
    • ₹25,000+/month: 3-5 SIPs (diversified across categories)

    Diversification Strategy:

    • One large cap fund for stability
    • One mid/small cap fund for growth
    • One ELSS for tax benefits
    • One international/sector fund (optional)
    • One debt/hybrid fund for balance

    Avoid over-diversification as it can dilute returns and make tracking difficult. Focus on quality funds rather than quantity.

    Additional Resources

    Disclaimer

    The calculations provided by this SIP calculator are for illustrative purposes only. Actual returns may vary based on market conditions, fund performance, and other factors. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.