How do I work out ETF returns?

Combine the expected total return, which is price growth plus dividends, then subtract the fund fee. This calculator grows your investment and regular contributions at the net return over your timeframe.

Yes, even a small annual fee compounds over time. ETFs are often low-fee, which is part of their appeal, but the calculator shows the drag so you can compare.

Are ETF returns guaranteed?

No. The projection assumes a steady return, while real markets rise and fall. It is a planning estimate, not a promise, and tax may apply, including the FIF rules on overseas ETFs.

ETF Return Calculator

This calculator projects the return on an exchange-traded fund investment, combining price growth, dividends and fees over time. You enter your investment, expected return, fee and timeframe, and it shows the projected balance and the drag from fees, giving ETF investors a clear, fee-aware projection.

Initial investment

Monthly contribution

Total return

Annual fee

Years

projected ETF balance after fees

Total contributed$0

Growth$0

Lost to fees$0

Total return is price growth plus dividends; the fee is deducted from it. Returns are assumed steady and are not guaranteed, and tax may apply, including FIF rules on overseas ETFs. Estimate only, not financial advice.

How it works

The calculator grows your initial investment and monthly contributions at your expected total return, less the annual fee, compounding monthly over your timeframe. It separates the result into what you contributed and the growth on top, and shows how much a fee-free version would have built, so you can see the fee drag. ETFs are often low-fee, which helps, but every bit of fee compounds.

Worked example

Investing $10,000 plus $400 a month at a 7% return with a 0.3% fee over 20 years builds to roughly $230,000, of which about $106,000 is contributions. A higher fund fee would noticeably reduce the result, which is why ETF investors watch fees closely.

Related calculators

Investment Calculator: project investments.
Fund Fee Drag Calculator: the cost of fees.
Dollar-Cost Averaging Calculator: regular investing.
FIF Method Comparison Calculator: overseas tax.

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