Investment fee impact calculator
Compare two illustrative investment balances with the same return and contributions but different annual fee rates.
Try a worked example
Try a worked example
Compare two illustrative investment balances with the same return and contributions but different annual fee rates.
Check the units and options, then use the tool’s calculation button. The example is fictitious; replace its values for your own calculation.
Illustration only. Supply the applicable rates and assumptions yourself; this is not financial, tax or legal advice.
Example input
- Starting amount
- 10000
- Monthly contribution
- 200
- Assumed gross annual return (%)
- 5
- Annual fee rate for scenario A (%)
- 0.5
- Annual fee rate for scenario B (%)
- 1
- Number of whole years
- 15
- Currency
- EUR €
Expected output
Total contributions: €46,000.00 Scenario A (annual fee 0.5 %) ending balance: €70,898.48 Scenario B (annual fee 1 %) ending balance: €67,421.11 Difference (A minus B; positive means A ends higher): €3,477.37 Illustrative only; same assumed gross return and contributions. Excludes tax, inflation, other fees, and changing returns.
Compares ending balances at two annual fee rates while holding the starting amount, contributions, gross return, and duration constant.
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Method and limits
The result depends on the values entered and the method shown. Check the assumptions, rates, or rules that apply to your situation before using it. Illustrative result only. Verify the rules and assumptions that apply to your work.
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Quick answer
Compares ending balances at two annual fee rates while holding the starting amount, contributions, gross return, and duration constant.
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Limits of the result
The result depends on the values entered and the method shown. Check the assumptions, rates, or rules that apply to your situation before using it. Illustrative result only. Verify the rules and assumptions that apply to your work.
Frequently asked questions
What does the calculation include?
Each month, the model applies (gross annual return − scenario annual fee) ÷ 12 to the balance, then adds the contribution at month end. Both scenarios use the same starting amount, contributions, gross return, and whole years. Total contributions are shown separately; the difference is scenario A ending balance minus scenario B. For the prefilled example, the monthly rates are (5% − 0.5%) ÷ 12 and (5% − 1%) ÷ 12. This simplified model excludes tax, inflation, other fees, changing returns, and the actual fee terms of a specific investment. It is a comparison scenario, not an investment recommendation.
Which values should I enter?
Compare two illustrative investment balances with the same return and contributions but different annual fee rates. Use consistent amounts, units, and time periods.
Is the result definitive?
No. Check the assumptions and rules that apply to your situation; this is an illustrative calculation, not professional advice.
Sources and references
- Investor.gov: How Fees and Expenses Affect Your Investment Portfolio (US)
- Investor.gov compound interest calculator (US)
These references describe the cited context and rules; some apply only in the jurisdiction named in their title. They do not validate this illustrative calculation.