Investment fee drag comparison calculator
Compare long-term balances under different annual fees.
Your inputs
Your results
Ready when you areYour results will appear here.
Compare two scenarios.
Run the tool, then save A or B to compare headline results and entered values. Keep currencies, periods and assumptions consistent.
Saved scenarios stay in this browser until you clear them. Reset clears the working result; it keeps saved scenarios. Use Clear saved scenarios on a shared device.
Run the tool to save your first scenario.
How it works
Compare two recurring proportional fee assumptions against the same gross return and contribution schedule, including a no-fee reference.
Read the source reference ↗A few things to know
Hypothetical effective annual growth model, not the exact timing of a fund’s fee deductions. Excludes trading costs, load fees, taxes and differences in actual returns or products.
Results use your inputs. Keep all money amounts in the same currency.
When to use this tool
Compare how recurring fees affect a shared saving scenario over time. Holding return and contributions equal isolates the selected fee assumptions.
- Compare recurring fees.
- Illustrate long-term cost effects.
- Inspect a no-fee reference.
How to use investment fee drag comparison calculator
Prepare the inputs
Use balances and rates from current statements, in one currency.
Choose the settings
Enter the scenario assumptions; this tool does not fetch market rates.
Review and export
Compare the report with the actual account terms before acting.
Try the supplied example
Inputs
initial: 10000; monthly: 200; return: 5; increase: 3; years: 20; fee a: 0.2; fee b: 1.2
Result
Fee A at 0.2% and fee B at 1.2% are applied to the same 20-year example.
What it means
A cheaper product does not necessarily have the same risks or actual returns.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not enter a return that already subtracts the same fee
Do not enter a return that already subtracts the same fee.
Different products can have different risks and returns
Different products can have different risks and returns.
Frequently asked questions
Definitions, edge cases, and practical next steps for this tool. Search all tool FAQs ↗
When are fees deducted?
The model uses an annual proportional fee factor converted to monthly growth.
Is return before fees?
Yes. Enter a gross effective annual return.
Are upfront sales loads included?
No. This comparison models recurring proportional annual fees only.
Does the tool recommend a fund?
No. It compares hypothetical fee assumptions, not products.
Can I use equal fees?
Yes, both modeled ending balances then match.
Why include a no-fee reference?
It illustrates the fee effect under otherwise identical assumptions.
Are my inputs uploaded or stored?
Processing happens locally in your browser. This tool does not upload inputs. Downloads stay on your device; sharing or opening them in another service is your choice.
What should I check before using the output?
Hypothetical effective annual growth model, not the exact timing of a fund’s fee deductions. Excludes trading costs, load fees, taxes and differences in actual returns or products.
Explore the topic in the blog
Sources and method
Use the references below to check definitions and platform guidance. The model’s scope and limits are explained above. Read our editorial standards.