Most SIP calculators answer "how much will my SIP grow to?". This one answers the question most people actually have: "How much should I invest every month to reach my goal?" Whether it is ₹1 crore for retirement, ₹25 lakh for a child's education or a down payment for a home, enter the target and the time, and the calculator works backwards.
How to use the goal SIP calculator
- Enter your target amount.
- Enter the time you have to reach it, in years.
- Enter the expected yearly return.
- Optional: if your target is in today's money (for example, "education that costs ₹50 lakh today"), enter the expected inflation. The calculator first converts the target into future money. Leave inflation at 0 if the target is already a future amount.
Goal SIP formula
Monthly SIP = FV × i ÷ [((1 + i)^n − 1) × (1 + i)]- FV = target amount in future money
- i = monthly return = yearly return ÷ 12 ÷ 100
- n = number of months
This is the standard SIP formula solved for the monthly amount, assuming you invest at the start of every month.
Example
You want ₹1 crore in 15 years and assume a 12% yearly return.
- Monthly SIP needed = ₹19,819
- Total you invest = ₹35,67,352
- Estimated returns = ₹64,32,648
SIP needed for ₹1 crore
At an assumed 12% yearly return:
| Time to goal | Monthly SIP needed | Total invested |
|---|---|---|
| 10 years | ₹43,041 | ₹51,64,865 |
| 15 years | ₹19,819 | ₹35,67,352 |
| 20 years | ₹10,009 | ₹24,02,047 |
| 25 years | ₹5,270 | ₹15,80,915 |
Starting 10 years earlier cuts the monthly SIP from ₹43,041 to ₹10,009. Time does most of the work.
Don't forget inflation
Suppose a goal costs ₹50 lakh in today's money and is 15 years away. At 6% inflation it will cost about ₹1,19,82,791 by then, and the SIP needed rises to ₹23,748 a month. Planning with today's price would leave you well short.
Tips
- Start with a realistic return. Use a lower rate for goals that are only a few years away, because you should not keep short-term money fully in equity.
- Step up later. If the SIP feels too high today, start smaller and increase it every year. See the step-up SIP calculator.
- Review once a year. Actual returns will differ from your assumption. Re-run the calculator and adjust.
FAQ
How much SIP do I need for ₹1 crore?
At an assumed 12% return, about ₹10,009 a month for 20 years, ₹19,819 for 15 years, or ₹43,041 for 10 years. Actual returns can be higher or lower.
Should I adjust my goal for inflation?
Yes, if you know the goal's cost in today's prices. A course, a wedding or a house will cost more in the future. Enter the inflation rate and the calculator does the conversion.
What return should I assume?
It depends on the funds you choose and how far away the goal is. Many people use 10–12% for long-term equity funds and 6–7% for debt funds as planning assumptions.
Is the result guaranteed?
No. The SIP amount is an estimate based on the return you enter. Mutual fund returns are not fixed, so review your plan regularly.