ETF recurring investment calculator

How to use the ETF recurring investment calculator

This calculator gives a quick view of possible long-term values when you invest a fixed amount each month. Search an ETF ticker to use 5-year or 10-year annualized returns from an official snapshot, or enter the initial investment, monthly contribution, period, return, expense ratio, distribution yield and inflation assumptions manually. It shows total contributions, total gain, the final value before tax or after the selected simplified tax assumptions, and the present value adjusted for inflation. A stacked bar chart and yearly table show how contributions, distributions, price gains and taxes develop over time.

The search data is a snapshot checked against official issuer material, rather than real-time market prices. Returns vary from year to year, and outcomes depend on fees, tracking differences, distributions, exchange rates, taxes, account type, trading costs and the timing of market declines. Use the results to explore the sensitivity of a long-term contribution plan; they are not an investment recommendation.

Steps

1. Search and select an ETF ticker, or enter return, expense and distribution assumptions manually.
2. If you selected an ETF, choose the reference period with the 5-year or 10-year annualized return button.
3. Enter the initial investment, the amount contributed each month and the investment period.
4. Set reinvestment, distribution tax (15.4%) and capital gains tax (22%) with the switches.
5. Check the final value under the selected tax assumptions and its present value in the chart, yearly table and KPI cards, then copy the table if needed.

Using search, the chart and the yearly table

Searching for an ETF fills inputs from an official snapshot of its 5-year and 10-year annualized returns, expense ratio and distribution yield. You can edit the values at any time. The stacked bars show contributions, distributions, price gains and taxes for each year under the current tax settings, helping you compare the components of growth. The yearly table lists contributions, value under the selected tax assumptions, gain, present value, and nominal and real returns. Copy the table to paste it into a spreadsheet.

Reinvestment and tax switches

With reinvestment enabled, distributions after the selected tax assumptions are invested again and contribute to compounding. The distribution-tax switch applies 15.4% to annual distributions. The capital-gains-tax switch applies a simplified 22% to cumulative price gains at the end of the investment period. Actual rates and tax treatment vary by domestic or foreign listing, ISA, pension or ordinary account, and financial income. The capital gains allowance is omitted for simplicity.

Present value adjusted for inflation

A large nominal value can buy less as prices rise over time. Present value is an estimate that discounts the projected value under the current tax settings by the assumed inflation rate. Viewing nominal and present values together can help you assess long-term living-cost goals.

Sources and review basis

The calculation uses ETF assumptions you enter or select. Search data comes from snapshots checked against official issuer material, rather than live prices. Dates for returns, fees and distribution metrics are shown by fund. The 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized NAV total returns before tax, rather than arithmetic averages. Explanations of ETF distributions, expenses and tax risks were reviewed on 2026-06-14 using the Investor.gov ETF overview and fees guidance. The next review is scheduled for 2026-12-14.

Calculated results do not guarantee investment performance. Actual ETF returns, expense ratios, tracking differences, exchange rates, taxes, account types, purchase timing and market changes can substantially alter the outcome.