Investment Fee & Expense Ratio Calculator
Compare how two expense ratios can affect long-term portfolio growth.
Illustrative only. Returns are not guaranteed, and actual fund performance can differ for reasons beyond expense ratios.
Want to understand the assumptions behind this tool? See our Calculator Methodology →
Why Expense Ratios Matter
An expense ratio is the annual operating cost of a fund, expressed as a percentage of assets. A difference that looks tiny in one year can compound into a meaningful dollar difference over long periods.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the same starting balance, monthly contribution, return assumption and time horizon, then compare two expense ratios. This isolates the potential long-term effect of fund costs while holding the other assumptions constant.
What This Calculator Does Not Measure
Lower fees do not automatically make one fund better than another. Funds can differ in strategy, risk, diversification, tracking, taxes, trading spreads and performance. Expense ratio is one factor to compare—not the entire investment decision.
Related: Read ETFs vs. Mutual Funds, Index Funds Explained, and use the Compound Interest Calculator.
For educational purposes only. This calculator is not investment, tax or financial advice and does not predict future returns.