SIP Calculator Masterclass
Learn how to use the SIP Calculator to plan your investments, understand the power of compound growth, step-up strategies, and inflation-adjusted returns.
Table of Contents
1. SIP Calculator Basics
A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly (monthly) in mutual funds. Our calculator helps you project future value based on your investment parameters.
Input Parameters Explained
Monthly SIP Amount
The fixed amount you'll invest every month. Start with what you can afford consistently.
Example: ₹10,000/month
Expected Annual Return
Projected yearly return based on fund category. Be realistic - see section 4 for guidance.
Example: 12% for Flexi Cap funds
Investment Duration
How long you'll continue the SIP. Longer duration = more compound growth.
Example: 20 years for retirement planning
The Power of Compound Growth
SIP leverages rupee-cost averaging and compound interest. Here's a real example:
Monthly SIP
₹10,000
Total Invested (20Y)
₹24 Lakh
Future Value @ 12%
₹99.9 Lakh
Returns: ₹75.9 Lakh (316% gain!)
2. Step-Up SIP Strategy
A step-up SIP automatically increases your monthly investment by a fixed percentage every year. This aligns with salary increments and dramatically boosts long-term wealth.
How Step-Up Works
Step-Up Impact Example
Same ₹10,000 starting SIP, 20 years, 12% returns:
Without Step-Up (Fixed SIP)
₹99.9 Lakh
Investment: ₹24L
With 10% Step-Up
₹2.29 Crore
Investment: ₹73L
💡 Additional Wealth Created: ₹1.29 Crore (129% more!)
Recommended Step-Up Percentage
5% Step-Up: Conservative
Matches average salary hikes. Easy to sustain.
10% Step-Up: Recommended
Optimal balance - aligns with career growth and inflation.
15% Step-Up: Aggressive
For high earners with strong career trajectory.
3. Understanding Inflation Adjustment
Inflation erodes purchasing power. Our calculator shows real returns - what your money will actually be worth in today's terms after accounting for inflation.
What are Inflation-Adjusted Returns?
Nominal Returns: The absolute rupee value you'll have (without considering inflation)
Real Returns: The actual purchasing power of your money in today's terms
Example:
• Future value after 20 years: ₹1 Crore
• Inflation @ 6% for 20 years = 3.21x increase in prices
• Real purchasing power: ₹31.2 Lakh in today's money
This means ₹1 Crore in 20 years buys what ₹31.2 Lakh buys today.
How We Calculate Real Returns
Unlike simple calculators that just deflate final value, we use a sophisticated approach:
- Each monthly contribution is tracked individually
- Growth is calculated with compound interest month-by-month
- Each contribution is deflated from its end value back to present value
- Sum of all deflated contributions = Real purchasing power
✨ This gives you the TRUE purchasing power of your returns, accounting for when each rupee was invested.
What Inflation Rate to Use?
4. Expected Returns Guide
Setting realistic return expectations is crucial. Here are historical category-wise returns to guide you:
High Return Potential
Moderate Returns
Conservative
High Risk
💡 Pro Tip: Use 12% for balanced equity portfolios. Be conservative - it's better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed!
5. Interpreting Results
Understanding the Output
Total Investment
Sum of all your monthly contributions over the period.
Future Value (Nominal)
The absolute rupee value you'll have - what your statement will show.
Total Returns
Future Value - Total Investment = Your profit/gain
Real Returns (Inflation-Adjusted)
The TRUE purchasing power gain. This is what matters for real wealth creation.
Using Results for Planning
- →For retirement planning: Focus on inflation-adjusted returns. You need real purchasing power.
- →For goal-based investing: If goal is 15+ years away, use 6% inflation minimum.
- →For short-term goals (< 5 years): Use conservative return estimates (8-10%).
- →Review yearly: Adjust SIP amounts based on actual returns and life changes.
Ready to Plan Your SIP?
Use our SIP Calculator with step-up and inflation adjustment to plan your financial goals accurately.
Open SIP Calculator