Why the first years matter most
Money invested early has the longest to compound, so the years you lose are the ones that would have grown the most. With a ₹10,000 SIP at 12% for 30 years, waiting 5 years leaves you with about ₹1.9 crore instead of ₹3.5 crore: almost half, for only a sixth fewer instalments.
Catching up later means a much bigger SIP. Starting small now usually beats starting big later, and a step-up SIP lets the amount grow with your salary.
How this calculator works
Both SIPs stop in the same year. Each is a monthly SIP at the expected return, compounded monthly, like the SIP calculator. Returns aren't guaranteed; equity funds can fall for years at a time.
Results are estimates for illustration only, not financial advice. Banks and schemes may round, apply TDS or use slightly different day counts — confirm figures with your bank or employer. Written by the Welthr team; last reviewed on .