Investment Calculator 2025

Lump Sum + SIP Returns Calculator with Tax & Inflation

🎯 Smart Investment Planning

✓ Lump Sum + SIP - Combine both for optimal returns

✓ Step-Up SIP - Increase investments with salary hikes

✓ Tax-Adjusted - See post-tax returns for realistic planning

✓ Inflation Impact - Know real purchasing power

Investment Type

Investment Details

₹1.00 L
₹10K₹1 Cr

Time Period & Returns

10 Years
1 Year30 Years
12%
6% (Debt)18% (Equity)
6%
3%10%
0%
0% (Tax-free)30%

LTCG: 10-12.5% | STCG: 15-20%

Future Value
₹3.11 L
Total Investment₹1.00 L
Total Gains₹2.11 L
Real Value (Inflation Adj.)₹1.73 L

Return Metrics

CAGR
12.00%

Compounded Annual Growth Rate

Absolute Return
210.58%

Total % Gain

Real Return
6%

After inflation

Investment Period
10Y

Time horizon

Investment Breakdown

32%
68%
Investment
₹1.00 L
Gains
₹2.11 L

Investment Advanced Features

What is Investment Calculator?

An Investment Calculator helps you estimate returns on your investments - whether Lump Sum (one-time), SIP (monthly), or both combined. It calculates compound interest, shows tax impact, adjusts for inflation, and provides CAGR (annualized returns).

Our calculator offers three modes - Lump Sum only, SIP only, or Both combined. Features include Step-Up SIP (increase monthly amount yearly), tax-adjusted returns, inflation impact on purchasing power, and year-wise growth tracking for realistic wealth planning.

How to Use

  1. 1Choose: Lump Sum, SIP Only, or Both Combined
  2. 2Enter investment amounts and step-up % (for SIP)
  3. 3Set time period (1-30 years) and expected return (6-18%)
  4. 4Adjust inflation rate and tax on gains
  5. 5View future value, CAGR, post-tax returns, real value

Lump Sum vs SIP vs Both - Complete Comparison

FactorLump SumSIPBoth Combined
Investment StyleOne-time large amountFixed monthly amountBoth strategies
Capital RequiredHigh (₹1L-₹1Cr)Low (₹500-₹10K)Medium + Regular
Market Timing RiskHighLow (averaged)Balanced
Returns PotentialHighest (if timed right)Good (rupee averaging)Best of both
Discipline RequiredLow (one decision)High (monthly)High
Volatility ImpactHigh stressLow stressModerate
Best ForWindfall, bonus, inheritanceSalaried, regular incomeMaximum wealth
Recommended?Yes (if surplus)Yes (always)Best strategy!

Power of Step-Up SIP - Increase Wealth by 50-100%

What is Step-Up SIP?

Step-Up SIP means increasing your monthly investment amount annually. As your salary grows, your investments grow too - typically by 5-15% per year.

Example:

• Year 1: ₹10,000/month

• Year 2: ₹11,000/month (10% increase)

• Year 3: ₹12,100/month (10% increase)

• Year 4: ₹13,310/month (10% increase)

Impact Over 20 Years (12% Return)

Regular SIP (₹10K fixed)

Total Invested: ₹24 Lakh

Corpus: ₹1.00 Crore

Step-Up SIP (₹10K + 10% yearly)

Total Invested: ₹46.4 Lakh

Corpus: ₹1.72 Crore

72% More Wealth! 🚀

How Much Should You Step-Up?

5% Annual Step-Up

Conservative approach, matches inflation

Good for: Stable income, minimal hikes

10% Annual Step-Up

Balanced approach, typical salary hikes

Good for: Most salaried employees

15-20% Annual Step-Up

Aggressive wealth building

Good for: High earners, promotions

💡 Step-Up Strategy

  • • Start with what you can afford comfortably
  • • Increase SIP with every salary hike (50% of hike)
  • • Set auto step-up in mutual fund apps
  • • Don't reduce - only pause if emergency
  • • Small start + big step-up > Big start + stop

Tax on Investment Gains - Complete Guide 2025

Equity Funds / Stocks

Short-Term (≤ 1 Year)

  • • Tax: 20% on gains (flat)
  • • STT must be paid
  • • Higher tax to discourage short-term trading

Long-Term (> 1 Year) - BEST

  • • First ₹1.25L gains: Tax-FREE every year
  • • Above ₹1.25L: 12.5% LTCG tax
  • • STT must be paid
  • • Best tax treatment for wealth building

Debt Funds / FDs

Short-Term (≤ 3 Years)

  • • Taxed as per income tax slab
  • • Can be 30% for high earners
  • • No special benefit

Long-Term (> 3 Years)

  • • Still taxed as per slab (up to 30%)
  • • No indexation benefit from 2023
  • • Higher tax compared to equity

Tax-Free Investment Options

PPF (Public Provident Fund)

  • • 100% tax-free (EEE status)
  • • 7.1% returns guaranteed
  • • 15-year lock-in
  • • Best for tax-free debt

ELSS (Equity Linked Savings)

  • • 80C deduction (up to ₹1.5L)
  • • 12.5% LTCG after 3 years
  • • Equity returns (12-15%)
  • • Best for 80C + equity gains

NPS (National Pension Scheme)

  • • 80C + 80CCD(1B) benefit
  • • 60% withdrawal tax-free
  • • Market-linked returns
  • • Best for retirement planning

💡 Tax-Saving Strategies

  • • Hold equity investments > 1 year for LTCG benefit
  • • Harvest ₹1.25L gains every year (tax-free limit)
  • • Use ELSS for 80C deduction + equity returns
  • • PPF for tax-free debt allocation
  • • Offset gains with losses (tax loss harvesting)
  • • Avoid frequent switching in funds (creates tax events)

Expected Returns Guide - What Rate to Use?

Investment TypeExpected ReturnRisk LevelBest For
Savings Account3-4%Very LowEmergency fund only
Fixed Deposit (FD)6-7%Very Low1-3 years, capital safety
PPF / NSC7-7.7%Very LowLong-term, tax-free
Debt Mutual Funds7-9%Low3-5 years, tax efficient
Balanced / Hybrid Funds9-11%Moderate5-7 years, balanced risk
Large Cap Equity Funds10-12%Moderate-High7-10 years, stable growth
Mid & Small Cap Funds12-15%High10+ years, aggressive
Sectoral / Thematic Funds15-18%Very High10+ years, high risk appetite
Gold8-10%ModerateInflation hedge, 10%
Real Estate8-10%Moderate-High10+ years, illiquid

💡 Portfolio Tip: Mix investments - 60% Equity (12%) + 30% Debt (7%) + 10% Gold (9%) = ~10.5% average return with balanced risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Lump Sum and SIP investment?

Lump Sum: Investing a large amount once - ₹5L, ₹10L, ₹50L at one go. Best when: You have surplus cash (bonus, inheritance, sale proceeds), Markets are low (timing matters), Long investment horizon (10+ years). Pros: Full amount compounds from day 1, simpler to manage. Cons: Market timing risk, needs large capital. SIP (Systematic Investment Plan): Investing fixed amount monthly - ₹5K, ₹10K, ₹25K every month. Best for: Regular salaried income, First-time investors, Market timing uncertainty. Pros: Rupee cost averaging (buy more when low, less when high), disciplined investing, starts with small amounts. Cons: Lower returns if markets rally immediately. Best Strategy: Combine both! Invest lump sum if available + continue SIP monthly for best results.

What is Step-Up SIP and how much should I increase annually?

Step-Up SIP means increasing your monthly SIP amount annually as your income grows. Example: Start with ₹10K/month, increase by 10% yearly - Year 1: ₹10K, Year 2: ₹11K, Year 3: ₹12.1K. Power of Step-Up: Regular ₹10K SIP for 20Y at 12% = ₹1 Cr. Step-Up 10% SIP for 20Y at 12% = ₹1.7 Cr (70% more!). Recommended increase: 5-10% annual step-up (match with salary hike), 10-15% if aggressive wealth building, 15-20% for high earners (₹1L+ income). Start small, step up big - better than starting big and stopping. Pro tip: Set auto step-up with every annual increment - saves effort and ensures discipline.

How is CAGR calculated and what is a good CAGR for investments?

CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) shows annualized return over time, smoothing out volatility. Formula: CAGR = [(Final Value / Initial Value)^(1/Years) - 1] × 100. Example: Invested ₹10L, became ₹25L in 10 years. CAGR = [(25/10)^(1/10) - 1] × 100 = 9.6%. Good CAGR benchmarks: Savings Account: 3-4% (poor), Fixed Deposits: 6-7% (safe but low), PPF/NSC: 7-7.7% (tax-free, decent), Debt Mutual Funds: 7-9% (moderate), Balanced Funds: 9-11% (good), Large Cap Equity: 10-12% (very good), Mid/Small Cap: 12-15% (excellent but risky), Real Estate: 8-10% (illiquid), Gold: 8-10% (volatile). Target CAGR: Minimum 12% for long-term wealth creation to beat inflation (6%) by comfortable margin.

How much tax do I pay on investment gains in India?

Equity Funds/Stocks (listed): Short-Term (≤1 year): 20% on gains (STT paid), Long-Term (>1 year): 12.5% on gains above ₹1.25L/year (first ₹1.25L tax-free), No indexation benefit. Debt Funds: Short-Term (≤3 years): As per income tax slab (up to 30%), Long-Term (>3 years): As per slab (no indexation from 2023), Generally higher tax than equity. Tax-Free Options: ELSS (Equity): 80C benefit + 12.5% LTCG after 3 years, PPF: 100% tax-free (EEE status), NSC: Interest taxable but 80C benefit, Tax-free bonds: 100% tax-free interest. Smart Strategy: Hold equity >1 year for LTCG benefit, Harvest ₹1.25L gains yearly (tax-free), Use ELSS for 80C + equity returns, Keep debt in PPF for tax-free returns.

Should I invest Lump Sum now or do SIP - which gives better returns?

Historical data shows Lump Sum beats SIP in 70% cases IF invested at any random time over 10+ years. But practical reality differs: Market Timing: Nobody knows if markets are high or low - SIP removes this stress. Behavioral Factor: SIP forces discipline - lump sum often sits in savings earning 3%. Risk Profile: Lump sum has higher volatility - can drop 30-50% in crash, SIP averages out. Best Approach - Hybrid Strategy: Have ₹10L? Invest ₹5L lump sum + ₹50K SIP for 10 months (remaining ₹5L). Market crash 30%? Your SIP buys more units at lower price. Market rally? Your lump sum participates fully. Example Results (10 years at 12%): Only Lump Sum ₹10L = ₹31L, Only SIP ₹10K for 120 months = ₹23L, Hybrid (₹5L + ₹5K SIP) = ₹27L. Verdict: Lump sum if you can handle volatility + time market. SIP if regular income + peace of mind. Hybrid for best of both worlds!

How do I choose expected return rate for different investments?

Conservative Portfolio (Low Risk, 6-8% return): 70% Debt + 30% Equity - Fixed Deposits (6-7%), PPF (7.1%), Debt funds (7-8%), Large-cap equity (10-12%), Average: 7-8% return, Suitable for: 1-5 years, low risk appetite, capital protection priority. Balanced Portfolio (Moderate Risk, 9-11% return): 50% Debt + 50% Equity - Balanced funds, hybrid funds, flexi-cap, Average: 9-11% return, Suitable for: 5-10 years, moderate risk tolerance, wealth building goals. Aggressive Portfolio (High Risk, 12-15% return): 70% Equity + 30% Debt - Mid-cap, small-cap, sectoral funds, Average: 12-15% return (can be volatile), Suitable for: 10+ years, high risk appetite, retirement/long-term goals. Ultra-Aggressive (Very High Risk, 15-18%): 90% Equity (100% stocks) - Small-cap, international, thematic - Can give 18%+ but also negative years. Rule of Thumb: Expected Return = (Equity % × 12%) + (Debt % × 7%). Be conservative in estimates - better to exceed than disappoint!