What is the Goal SIP?
A goal SIP reverses the usual question. Instead of asking what ₹10,000 a month becomes, it asks what monthly amount reaches ₹50 lakh in ten years. That is the number that actually helps you plan a house down payment, a child's education or a car.
Any money you have already saved counts too — it keeps compounding on its own, reducing the SIP you need.
Formula & worked example
Subtract the future value of existing savings, then solve for the instalment:
SIP = Need × i / (((1 + i)N − 1) × (1 + i))
Worked example: a ₹50,00,000 goal in 10 years at 12%, with ₹5,00,000 already saved. The existing amount grows to about ₹16.5 lakh, leaving ₹33.5 lakh to build. The required SIP is roughly ₹14,418 a month, of which you contribute ₹22.3 lakh over the ten years and the market adds the rest.
How to use this goal sip calculator
- Enter the target amount in future rupees — for a long goal, inflate today's cost first.
- Add anything already earmarked for this goal so it is not double-counted.
- Use 10–12% for equity over 7+ years; 7–8% for goals under 5 years.
- If the SIP looks unaffordable, extend the timeline before raising the return assumption.
Smart tips
- Inflate the goal first. A ₹20 lakh education cost today is about ₹40 lakh in 12 years at 6% education inflation.
- Keep goals under 3 years in debt funds or FDs. Equity is unreliable over short horizons regardless of the average return.
- Run one SIP per goal. Separate folios make it far harder to raid your retirement fund for a holiday.
- If the required SIP is out of reach, add a step-up — even 10% a year closes the gap quickly.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I invest monthly to get ₹1 crore?
At 12% over 15 years, roughly ₹20,000 a month. Over 20 years about ₹10,000, and over 25 years about ₹5,300 — which shows how much time matters more than amount.
Should I use 12% or 15% as expected return?
Use 10–12% for diversified equity. Assuming 15% makes the required SIP look small and leaves you short if markets deliver less.
What if I miss a few SIP instalments?
The shortfall compounds. Increase later instalments or extend the timeline; the calculator lets you re-run with the new numbers.
Should I invest a lumpsum or start a SIP for a goal?
If you already have the money, a lumpsum has longer to compound. If you are saving from salary, a SIP is the practical choice and averages out entry price.
Want the theory behind the numbers? Read our goal planning guides on the Money Blog.
Written by Gurjeet Singh, Sharpen Solutions. Last reviewed 30 Sep 2026. How we check these numbers.