SIP Delay Cost Calculator
See how much wealth you lose by delaying your investment start even by a few months.
Your inputs
Your estimate
Wealth Lost Due to Delay
₹6,19,113
Estimates use your inputs and assumed returns. Actual returns vary and are not guaranteed.
Quick answer
Delaying a SIP costs far more than the instalments you skip, because you lose the final years of compounding. Starting a ₹5,000 SIP five years late, with the same end date, can cost about ₹24.73 lakh over 20 years at an assumed 12%.
About the SIP Delay Cost calculator
In investing, 'Time' is more important than 'Timing'. Even a small delay in starting your SIP can result in a massive loss of potential wealth due to lost compounding years.
What is the formula?
Delay cost = FV(n months) − FV(n − delay months), using the standard SIP future value formula.
Worked example
₹5,000 a month for 20 years at an assumed 12% reaches about ₹49.96 lakh. Starting five years later reaches about ₹25.23 lakh by the same date, skipping only ₹3 lakh of instalments.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a small delay cost so much?
Because the largest growth in compounding happens in the final years. Delaying the start means losing those most powerful growth years.
Is it too late to start?
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.
Related guides
Reviewed by Vikas Gupta, AMFI-registered Mutual Fund Distributor (ARN-178652). Last updated . Mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully. Mutual fund distribution by Korlipara Vikas Gupta, AMFI-registered Mutual Fund Distributor, ARN-178652. Distributors earn commission from fund houses on regular plans. Content and calculators on this site are for education, not personalised investment advice. Illustrations use assumed returns, which are not guaranteed.