How to use the goal SIP planner
- Pick an example goal or enter your own cost in today's prices.
- Set the years until you need the money and the inflation you expect.
- Enter a conservative expected return for your investments.
- Optionally add a yearly step-up and any savings already set aside.
- Read the monthly SIP needed, the lumpsum alternative and the cost of delay.
Goal SIP formula
Future cost = Cost today × (1 + inflation)years
SIP = (Future cost − Savings × (1 + r)years) ÷ FV of ₹1 SIP
The future value of a ₹1 monthly SIP uses monthly compounding at r ÷ 12 with instalments at the start of each month, the same convention as our SIP calculator. Example: ₹10 lakh in 10 years at 6% inflation is ₹17,90,848, which needs ₹7,708 a month at 12%.
Monthly SIP for ₹1 crore
| Time | 10% return | 12% return | 12%, 10% step-up (start) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 years | ₹48,414 | ₹43,041 | ₹29,636 |
| 15 years | ₹23,928 | ₹19,819 | ₹11,516 |
| 20 years | ₹13,060 | ₹10,009 | ₹5,028 |
| 25 years | ₹7,474 | ₹5,270 | ₹2,339 |
The example goals
| Goal | Cost today | Time, inflation | Future cost | Monthly SIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child's education | ₹25,00,000 | 15 yrs, 8% | ₹79,30,423 | ₹12,143 |
| House down payment | ₹20,00,000 | 6 yrs, 6% | ₹28,37,038 | ₹23,305 |
| Retirement | ₹3,00,00,000 | 25 yrs, 6% | ₹12,87,56,122 | ₹28,126 |
| Car | ₹10,00,000 | 4 yrs, 5% | ₹12,15,506 | ₹21,428 |
The example costs, inflation and returns are illustrative assumptions; replace them with your own.
Frequently asked questions
How does a goal-based SIP calculator work?
It first inflates today's cost of the goal to what it will cost in the target year, subtracts what your existing savings will grow to, and then works out the monthly SIP whose future value fills the gap at your expected return.
How much SIP do I need for ₹1 crore?
At a 12% expected return, about ₹19,819 a month for 15 years or ₹10,009 a month for 20 years (investing at the start of each month). A 10% yearly step-up lowers the starting amount considerably.
Why should I add inflation to my goal?
Prices rise every year. At 6% inflation, something that costs ₹10 lakh today will cost about ₹17,90,848 in 10 years. Planning for today's price leaves you short.
What return should I assume?
Use a conservative long-term figure for the asset mix you will actually hold: for example around 10–12% for diversified equity funds over 10+ years, and lower for debt or hybrid funds or for short goals. Returns are not guaranteed.
What is a step-up SIP?
A SIP that rises by a fixed percentage each year, usually in line with your salary. It lets you start with a smaller amount and still reach the same goal.
Should I keep equity funds until the goal date?
For goals more than 7–10 years away equity can suit, but it is common to shift gradually to debt in the last 2–3 years so a market fall just before the goal does not derail it.