SIP Goal Calculator
Most people start with a goal — a house down payment, a child’s education, retirement — and want to know how much to invest each month. This goal-based SIP calculator works backwards from your target. Enter the amount you want, how many years you have and the return you assume, and it finds the monthly SIP required. Add inflation to see the future cost of the goal, and a yearly step-up to start lower and raise the SIP as your income grows. Returns are assumptions; mutual fund investments are subject to market risks.
How to use the sip goal calculator
- Enter the amount you want, in today’s money, and the number of years.
- Enter the return you expect and, if relevant, inflation so the target is inflated to its future cost.
- Optionally add a step-up so the SIP starts smaller.
- Read the monthly SIP needed, then test a longer period or lower target if it looks too high.
Formula
Future target = goal × (1 + inflation)years. The calculator finds how much a ₹1-a-month SIP would grow to (using the same monthly compounding and step-up) and then scales: required SIP = future target ÷ growth of a ₹1 SIP. Without a step-up this equals target ÷ [((1 + i)n − 1) ÷ i × (1 + i)].
Worked examples
₹1 crore in 15 years
At a 12% return you would need a monthly SIP of ₹19,818.62, investing ₹35,67,351.60 to reach ₹1 crore.
With 6% inflation
If ₹1 crore is in today’s money and prices rise 6% a year, the goal becomes ₹2,39,65,581.93 and the SIP needed is ₹47,496.48.
Starting low with a step-up
A 10% yearly step-up lowers the starting SIP to ₹11,515.63.
Practice problems
Try these yourself first, then check your answer. The answers come from the calculator above.
- What monthly SIP builds ₹50 lakh in 12 years at 12%?
Show answer
Monthly SIP needed: ₹15,515.80
Common mistakes to avoid
- Setting a goal without adjusting for inflation.
- Assuming a high return to make the SIP look small.
- Not reviewing the plan yearly. Adjust when markets or income change.
- Mixing goals with very different timelines in one fund.
- Starting too late. A short horizon needs a much larger SIP.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the SIP needed for a goal?
Divide the future target by the growth of a ₹1-per-month SIP over your period. The calculator does this for you.
Should I adjust the goal for inflation?
Yes. A goal in today’s money costs more in the future, so add the expected inflation.
What return should I assume?
Use a conservative figure for goals you cannot miss; fund type and horizon matter.
What if my SIP is too high?
Extend the period, lower the target, use a step-up or accept more risk with an adviser’s guidance.
Is the result guaranteed?
No. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks.
Sources and further reading
By Thomas M, Registered Investment Adviser (South Carolina), who launched his own financial advisory firm in 2010. Last reviewed September 26, 2026. Found a mistake? Tell us; see our editorial policy.