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Fund Expense Ratio Fee Calculator

See how much a fund's expense ratio costs you over time — the difference between your balance with and without fees.

For information and education only — not financial advice. Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter; check important decisions with a qualified professional.

How to use

  1. 1Enter the amount invested, yearly contributions and expected return.
  2. 2Enter the fund's expense ratio (and optionally a cheaper fund's) to compare.

How it's calculated

Balance with fees grows at (return − expense ratio). Cost of fees = balance without fees − balance with fees.

Frequently asked questions

What's a typical expense ratio?

Broad index funds and ETFs often charge 0.03–0.20%. Actively managed funds commonly charge 0.5–1% or more.

Do fees really matter?

Yes. A 1% fee on a portfolio earning 7% takes about a quarter of the final balance over 30 years.

Are expense ratios billed to me?

No — they're deducted from the fund's assets daily, so you never see a bill, which makes them easy to overlook.