Asset Comparison Calculator: Investment Returns

Asset Comparison Calculator: Investment Returns

Asset 1

Asset 2

Asset 3

Asset 4

Asset 5






Asset Comparison Calculator for Side-by-Side Investment Projections

This asset comparison calculator places up to five investment ideas on the same timeline. It is useful when the decision is not simply “which asset has the highest return?” but “how could different starting amounts, monthly contributions and return assumptions change the final corpus?” The result provides a consistent mathematical comparison; it does not declare one asset universally better.

Inputs for each asset

  • Enabled controls whether an asset participates in the comparison.
  • Asset name gives each scenario a meaningful label, such as mutual fund, FD, debt fund, gold, real estate, EPF, PPF, bond, equity or cash.
  • Initial investment is the amount already invested or available at the start.
  • Annual return is the constant assumed growth rate for that asset.
  • Monthly investment is the recurring contribution allocated to the asset.
  • Duration is common to all enabled assets so their final values are compared at the same point in time.

Outputs: bar chart, comparison table and growth lines

The first result chart compares final corpus values. The table separates initial investment, total monthly contributions, total invested amount, estimated return, return percentage and projected final value. The multi-line graph shows the yearly path of every enabled asset, which can reveal that two assets with similar final values may grow differently because one started with more capital or received larger contributions.

Future-value formula

For each asset, the calculator projects the starting amount and the stream of monthly investments independently. With monthly rate r and n months:

Future value = initial investment × (1 + r)n + monthly investment × [((1 + r)n − 1) ÷ r]

When the return is zero, future value is simply initial investment plus all contributions. The displayed return equals projected final value minus total invested amount. Return percentage is calculated against total invested amount. A constant monthly rate creates a smooth projection; real investment returns rarely arrive smoothly.

Make a fair comparison before reading the winner

Equalize the inputs when the goal is to isolate return. If one asset receives a larger initial amount or a higher monthly contribution, its larger corpus cannot be attributed only to performance. Conversely, use actual planned contributions when comparing how your real portfolio may develop. Both comparisons are useful, but they answer different questions.

Return is only one dimension. Risk, liquidity, tax treatment, cost, lock-in, cash flow, diversification, effort and time horizon can change the preferred choice. The asset with the tallest bar may also carry the widest range of possible outcomes.

Investment types you can model

  • Mutual funds and equity: potentially useful for long horizons, but returns are market-linked and volatile. Compare the fund's Riskometer, portfolio, cost and consistency rather than assuming a fixed CAGR.
  • Fixed deposits and recurring deposits: often easier to estimate when the contracted rate is known, but reinvestment rates, tax and premature-withdrawal terms matter.
  • Debt funds and bonds: exposed to interest-rate, credit, liquidity and market-price risks. Yield is not the same as a guaranteed final return.
  • Gold: can diversify a portfolio but does not produce a contractual interest stream. Physical gold may include making charges, storage and buy-sell spreads.
  • Real estate: may combine price appreciation and rent, but transaction costs, maintenance, vacancy, tax and low liquidity should be modeled outside the headline appreciation rate.
  • EPF and PPF: long-term savings vehicles with rules, contribution limits, withdrawal conditions and rates that can change; verify current official terms.
  • Cash: highly liquid but vulnerable to loss of purchasing power when returns remain below inflation.

Decision-making use cases

Use equal contributions to compare return sensitivity; use different contributions to test an asset-allocation plan; use lower and higher return assumptions to create a range; or compare a concentrated portfolio with a diversified mix. For a goal such as retirement, education or a house purchase, compare the final corpus with the target amount and the acceptable risk of missing that target.

Nominal return, real return and after-cost return

The chart shows nominal values. A 9% return with 6% inflation does not create 9% more purchasing power. An approximate real return is (1 + nominal return) ÷ (1 + inflation) − 1. Fees and taxes can reduce the return available to the investor. For a more useful comparison, enter conservative after-cost return assumptions and separately check current tax rules for your jurisdiction.

Limitations and stress testing

The model assumes constant returns and regular contributions. It does not simulate volatility, sequence of returns, defaults, missed deposits, property expenses, tax, fund expenses or changing rates. Create at least a pessimistic, base and optimistic run. Do not use a higher expected return merely to make an unsuitable asset win.

Frequently asked questions

Can assets with different currencies be compared?

Only after converting them to one common currency and considering exchange-rate risk. The calculator treats all amounts as the same unit.

Why can a lower-return asset finish with a larger corpus?

It may have a larger starting value or receive more monthly investment. Review the “total invested” column before attributing the difference to return.

Does the chart identify the safest asset?

No. It projects values from the entered rates. Risk must be assessed separately using product documents, diversification, time horizon and capacity for loss.

Authoritative investor resources

Investment note: Projected returns are assumptions, not promises. Use the calculator to expose trade-offs and questions, then verify product terms and suitability before investing.

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