Investing
ETF Investment Growth Calculator
Project hypothetical ETF investment growth after an expense ratio, recurring contributions, and an optional inflation adjustment. Adjust the example inputs to explore how different assumptions affect the estimate.
Your scenario
Adjust the numbers
Start with the example values or enter your own assumptions.
This changes number formatting only. It does not convert amounts between currencies; enter all amounts in the selected currency.
Based on your inputs
Your estimate
Educational estimate only. Actual terms, taxes, fees, and returns may differ.
Year-by-year projected balance
| Year | Balance |
|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000.00 |
| 1 | $12,932.35 |
| 2 | $16,005.46 |
| 3 | $19,226.07 |
| 4 | $22,601.28 |
| 5 | $26,138.49 |
| 6 | $29,845.49 |
| 7 | $33,730.43 |
| 8 | $37,801.84 |
| 9 | $42,068.69 |
| 10 | $46,540.34 |
| 11 | $51,226.63 |
| 12 | $56,137.86 |
| 13 | $61,284.83 |
| 14 | $66,678.85 |
| 15 | $72,331.79 |
| 16 | $78,256.07 |
| 17 | $84,464.71 |
| 18 | $90,971.37 |
| 19 | $97,790.35 |
| 20 | $104,936.64 |
How to use this calculator
Enter an initial amount, monthly contribution, assumed annual total return, term, annual expense-ratio assumption, and inflation assumption.
How the calculation works
The model subtracts the annual fee assumption from the annual total-return assumption, converts that net annual rate to an equivalent monthly rate, applies monthly growth, then adds each contribution at month end. Inflation-adjusted value = projected nominal balance ÷ (1 + inflation)^years.
Worked example
At a hypothetical 5% annual total return before a 0.20% annual fee, $10,000 invested with $200 added monthly for 10 years is projected using a 4.80% net annual assumption. The output is a scenario, not a market forecast.
Assumptions and limitations
Uses a steady assumed total return and fee drag. Total return is treated as already including any distributions; dividends are not added again. It does not model changing returns, tracking difference, bid-ask spreads, taxes, trading costs, withdrawals, or fund-specific fee timing. Inflation adjustment is an estimate, not a purchasing-power guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
Does this predict ETF performance?
No. The return is an input for a hypothetical scenario; actual returns can be positive or negative and vary over time.
Are dividends added on top of total return?
No. The assumed total return represents the whole investment return; adding distributions separately would double-count them.
What does the fee input represent?
It is a simplified annual expense-ratio assumption subtracted from the entered annual return. Other costs may apply.
Sources and further reading
- Investor.gov: Mutual Fund and ETF Fees and Expenses
- Investor.gov: Understanding fund fees and expenses
Learn more
- How to Project ETF Growth After Fees and Inflation
- How to Estimate Dividend Income From Shares
- How Monthly Savings Deposits Grow With Compound Interest
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Educational tool only. It does not provide personalized financial, tax, or legal advice.