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Investment Fee Calculator
Compare no-fee growth with your fund and advisor costs, including the compounding that fees can no longer earn.
Primary estimateLive · USD
Estimated result
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Based on the assumptions entered.
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Scenario comparison
Longer bars represent the larger value.
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What this result means
Ongoing fees reduce the balance that remains invested. The long-term drag therefore includes both fees paid and the returns those removed dollars can no longer earn.
How this calculator works
The model applies one-twelfth of the annual gross return, adds the monthly contribution, then deducts one-twelfth of the combined annual fee. Contributions are assumed to arrive at month end.
Worked example
For example, compare a 1.00% combined annual fee with a 0.25% alternative over 30 years. Finly separates dollars deducted as fees from the additional growth those dollars could no longer earn.
Assumptions and limitations
- Constant return and fee rates
- Monthly compounding and month-end contributions
- No taxes, trading costs, loads, or return volatility
- Returns are hypothetical and not guaranteed
Frequently asked questions
How much can a 1% investment fee cost over time?
The dollar cost depends on starting balance, contributions, return, and time. A 1% annual fee also removes money that could have compounded, so long-term fee drag can be much larger than one year of fees.
What is the difference between an expense ratio and an advisor fee?
An expense ratio is charged within a fund, while an advisor fee is commonly charged for portfolio management or advice. Finly combines both entered percentages in the primary scenario.
Why is fee drag larger than the direct fees paid?
Money removed as fees can no longer compound, so total fee drag includes both direct estimated fees and foregone growth.
How often does this calculator deduct investment fees?
It applies one-twelfth of the combined annual fee each month after adding that month’s contribution. Real funds and advisors may assess fees differently.
Which investment costs are not included?
The model excludes taxes, commissions, loads, bid-ask spreads, trading costs, and return volatility unless they are represented in the annual fee inputs.
Sources and methodology
See the official primary source used for this calculator and read Finly’s calculation methodology.
Updated and logic reviewed: September 17, 2026. Results are educational estimates, not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.