Free calculator
Mutual fund calculator
Project long-term growth with monthly compounding: enter a starting balance, optional monthly savings, a time horizon, an expected annual return you choose, and an annual expense ratio (ongoing fee). We show an ending balance after fees and a hypothetical ending balance if the same gross return applied with no expense ratio—illustration math, not a fund prospectus.
When to use this calculator
A quick what-if for ongoing fund costs on top of the same compound story as our compound interest page—transparent assumptions for spreadsheets, not a broker UI.
- See how a single expense ratio assumption changes an ending balance when you already use a gross return story elsewhere.
- Compare monthly savings vs. lump-sum only by toggling the contribution field toward 0.
- Copy FV-style checks into Sheets or Excel after you align rates and timing with the methodology card.
We keep one transparent path: subtract your annual expense ratio from your gross expected return, floor the net at 0, then run the same monthly compound engine as the compound interest calculator with end-of-month contributions.
Net nominal return
Net annual % = max(0, gross % − expense ratio %). This is a teaching shortcut—real funds accrue and deduct fees on different schedules; prospectuses still matter for exact costs.
Monthly compounding + payments
Each month uses (1 + net/12) on the balance after end-of-month contributions, consistent with FV when you pass a monthly rate and N in months—see the Sheets & Excel section.
What we do not model
Front or back loads, 12b-1 line items, transaction fees, tax on distributions, share-class switches, multiple funds side-by-side, or live expense data from a ticker—use a full workbook or official tools when you need those layers.
Past performance does not guarantee future results. When your story needs tax-aware or multi-cash-flow math, combine tools deliberately and label every assumption in your sheet. For growth without an expense field, use the compound interest calculator. For ages and retirement contributions, use the retirement savings calculator.
Google Sheets & Excel
We use end-of-month contributions and monthly compounding on a net nominal annual rate (gross % − expense %, floored at 0). Match FV with the same periodic rate and N in months.
=FV(B2/12,C2,-D2,-E2,0)B2 = net annual rate as percent (gross − expense); C2 = months (years × 12); D2 = monthly payment; E2 = present value (starting balance). Type 0 = end of period in Excel/Sheets.
In German Excel, ZW, ZINS, and ZZR replace FV/RATE/NPER with ; separators—use Formulas → Insert function for your language pack.
Frequently asked questions
What does this mutual fund calculator do?
It projects an ending balance from a starting amount, optional monthly savings, a time horizon, a gross expected annual return you type, and an annual expense ratio. It also shows a hypothetical ending balance if the same gross return applied with 0% ongoing fees—the gap is an illustration of fee drag on that story, not cash actually paid day by day.
How do you apply the expense ratio?
We treat the expense ratio as a constant annual drag on your stated gross return: net % = gross % − expense %, floored at zero, then compound monthly with end-of-month contributions. Loads, transaction costs, and tax are not in v1.
Is this the same as an Indian SIP calculator?
SIP usually means systematic periodic investing—our monthly line behaves similarly for math. We do not model India-specific tax rules, currency, or fund identifiers; use local tools when those details drive your decision.
How is this different from the compound interest calculator?
The compound interest page is the same engine without a separate expense ratio field. Here the net rate is gross minus fees so you can talk about ongoing fund costs in one place.
Should I use this or the 401(k) calculator?
Use 401(k) when you need salary, employer match, and deferral caps in a U.S. plan story. This page is a generic mutual-fund-style fee overlay on contributions and a gross return—not plan compliance math.
Where are front-end or back-end loads?
Not modeled in v1. Loads change how much principal starts invested; add them explicitly in a spreadsheet if your story needs them.
Do you include taxes on distributions?
No. For U.S. federal gain estimates on a sale story, see the capital gains tax tool—not the same as annual fund distributions here.
How do I match this in Google Sheets or Excel?
Use FV with a monthly rate = net annual % / 100 / 12, Nper in months, Pmt as the monthly contribution (sign conventions per your locale), Pv as the starting balance, and Type 0 for end of month.
Is this investment advice?
No. It is a free educational tool—not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any fund, and not a substitute for qualified professionals when stakes are high.