Last updated~ 16 Dec, 15:31 pm IST

Cost of Delay Calculator

Every moment you delay investing, you lose the chance to grow your wealth. Waiting can cost you more than you think: missed returns, reduced growth, and a harder path to financial freedom. The Cost of Delay Calculator shows how much your delay could be costing you by analysing your investment amount, expected returns, and how long you wait. It helps you see the impact clearly so you can take smart, timely action and make your money work harder for you.

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SIP Plan Benefits
Start SIP with as low as ₹1000
Start SIP with as low as ₹1000
No hidden charges
No hidden charges
Save upto ₹46,800 in Tax
Save upto ₹46,800 in Taxunder section 80C^
Zero LTCG Tax
Zero LTCG Tax
Disciplined & worry-free investing
Disciplined & worry-free investing

Cost of Delay Calculator
Start early, gain more
Monthly SIP Amount
/Month
Invest For (in Years)
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If you start SIP after (in Months)
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Due to the delay of 10 Months

Your Target Wealth will reduce by 13.3%.

With loss of ₹13,87,249

Start TodayDelayed Start
Invest Now

What is the Cost of Delay Calculator?

The Cost of Delay Calculator is an online tool that allows you to calculate the financial impact of delaying investments. It helps users understand how much additional money they need to invest to compensate for the lost time and potential returns associated with starting late. By inputting details about desired future values and the length of the delay, the calculator will let you know the increased investment required to achieve the same financial goals as someone who began investing earlier. This tool is particularly useful for those who recognize they've missed out on early investment opportunities and wish to improve the long-term effects.

Benefits of Using Cost of Delay Calculator

The Cost of Delay Calculator offers various benefits like:

  1. Quantifies Financial Impact

    Shows the actual money lost by delaying investments.

  2. Informs Decision-Making

    Provides clear calculations for making smart investment choices.

  3. Boosts Motivation

    Highlights potential losses, encouraging prompt action on financial goals.

  4. Enables Realistic Planning

    Factors in expected returns for more accurate financial projections.

  5. Illustrates Compounding Power

    Clearly demonstrates how delaying reduces the benefits of compounding interest.

  6. Helps Prioritize Investments

    Shows the urgency of starting or increasing specific investments.

Payment Mode
Invest
₹ 10,000
Invest for
AUM (Cr)

₹11,792

NAV

117.65

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 26.3 22.2 19.07 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹2,722

NAV

75.84

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.47 17.7 16.12 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹3,366

NAV

71.52

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 18.02 17.37 15.56 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹440

NAV

71.39

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 15.08 15.23 15.17 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹36,958

NAV

78.69

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 20.53 16.08 15.03 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹4,690

NAV

71.33

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.56 16.34 14.92 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹239

NAV

51.9

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.95 16.37 14.65 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹5,748

NAV

83.27

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.52 14.5 14.53 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹3,688

NAV

43.27

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 14.62 14.58 14.42 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹113

NAV

58.43

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 16.56 16.04 14.36 %

Instant tax receipt
AUM (Cr)

₹2,722

NAV

75.84

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.47 17.7 16.12 %

AUM (Cr)

₹3,366

NAV

71.52

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 18.02 17.37 15.56 %

AUM (Cr)

₹440

NAV

71.39

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 15.08 15.23 15.17 %

AUM (Cr)

₹4,690

NAV

71.33

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.56 16.34 14.92 %

AUM (Cr)

₹239

NAV

51.9

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.95 16.37 14.65 %

AUM (Cr)

₹3,688

NAV

43.27

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 14.62 14.58 14.42 %

AUM (Cr)

₹113

NAV

58.43

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 16.56 16.04 14.36 %

AUM (Cr)

₹13,086

NAV

85.28

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 14.56 14.05 13.74 %

AUM (Cr)

₹1,008

NAV

47.12

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 14.9 14.33 13.49 %

AUM (Cr)

₹2,189

NAV

69.31

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 13.7 13.86 13.36 %

AUM (Cr)

₹11,792

NAV

117.65

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 26.3 22.2 19.07 %

AUM (Cr)

₹36,958

NAV

78.69

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 20.53 16.08 15.03 %

AUM (Cr)

₹5,748

NAV

83.27

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.52 14.5 14.53 %

AUM (Cr)

₹9,302

NAV

65.01

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 21.87 22.18 21.15 %

AUM (Cr)

₹1,037

NAV

75

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 16.48 15.93 15.31 %

AUM (Cr)

₹13,897

NAV

71.38

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 15.92 15 13.95 %

AUM (Cr)

₹3,553

NAV

62.13

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 16.7 14.89 13.44 %

AUM (Cr)

₹1,143

NAV

56.52

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 16.41 14.79 13.32 %

AUM (Cr)

₹542

NAV

58.66

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 14.16 13.18 11.95 %

AUM (Cr)

₹269

NAV

29.12

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 9.88 10.89 11.28 %

AUM (Cr)

₹826

NAV

41

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 5.72 7.34 7.62 %

AUM (Cr)

₹480

NAV

38.64

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 5.44 7.51 7.45 %

AUM (Cr)

₹172

NAV

35.12

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 5.28 6.94 7.26 %

AUM (Cr)

₹77

NAV

41.46

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 5.45 6.97 7.15 %

AUM (Cr)

₹119

NAV

29.9

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 5.87 6.94 7.12 %

AUM (Cr)

₹187

NAV

47.29

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 4.64 6.57 7.04 %

AUM (Cr)

₹91

NAV

39.18

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 5.29 6.98 6.98 %

AUM (Cr)

₹18,375

NAV

50.24

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 5.29 6.82 6.96 %

AUM (Cr)

₹1,031

NAV

47

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 5.73 6.79 6.94 %

AUM (Cr)

₹917

NAV

102.2

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 17.31 17.05 15.95 %

AUM (Cr)

₹365

NAV

48.99

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 11.69 11.59 10.98 %

AUM (Cr)

₹5,476

NAV

41.08

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 10.55 10.79 10.66 %

AUM (Cr)

₹67

NAV

61.7

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 9.79 10.17 10.47 %

AUM (Cr)

₹485

NAV

105.86

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 10 10.46 10.45 %

AUM (Cr)

₹22,457

NAV

74.74

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 9.65 10.39 10.32 %

AUM (Cr)

₹281

NAV

32.57

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 10.8 10.59 10.32 %

AUM (Cr)

₹833

NAV

40.36

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 10.84 10.83 10.21 %

AUM (Cr)

₹7,453

NAV

112.33

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 10.41 10.52 10.12 %

AUM (Cr)

₹18

NAV

33.84

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 9.81 10 9.93 %

AUM (Cr)

₹1,309

NAV

80.64

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 15.94 14.56 13.98 %

AUM (Cr)

₹7,449

NAV

158.28

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 16.39 14.66 13.73 %

AUM (Cr)

₹3,075

NAV

69.55

Estimated Value

After 5 years After 7 years After 10 years
Returns (p.a.)

+ 15.52 13.99 13.26 %

View More

How Does the Cost of Delay Calculator Work?

A Cost of Delay Calculator is a smart online tool that helps you estimate how much potential growth you might lose by postponing your investment, especially when evaluating the best SIP plans. To generate accurate results, you must enter key details such as the delayed tenure, investment amount, total investment duration, and expected rate of return. Since this tool operates solely on the data provided, it does not offer investment advice, assess your risk profile, or guarantee returns.

Example: 

Let’s say Rohan planned to invest ₹15,000 every month for 25 years with an expected return of 12%. But he delayed it by 5 years.

That delay means he now has only 20 years to invest — and he misses out on 5 years of compounding growth.

When he enters these numbers into the Cost of Delay Calculator, he can exactly see how much wealth he has lost just by waiting — and what it would take to catch up.

It’s a clear show: the earlier you start, the more your money can grow.

Dive deeper into your finances with the SIP Calculator.

  • Insurance Companies
  • Mutual Funds
Returns
Fund Name 5 Years 7 Years 10 Years
Equity Fund SBI Life
Rating
13.82% 13.34%
12.6%
View Plan
Opportunities Fund HDFC Life
Rating
20.53% 16.08%
15.03%
View Plan
High Growth Fund Axis Max Life
Rating
26.3% 22.2%
19.07%
View Plan
Opportunities Fund ICICI Prudential Life
Rating
16.7% 14.89%
13.44%
View Plan
Multi Cap Fund Tata AIA Life
Rating
21.87% 22.18%
21.15%
View Plan
Accelerator Mid-Cap Fund II Bajaj Life
Rating
17.52% 14.5%
14.53%
View Plan
Multiplier Birla Sun Life
Rating
19.43% 16.41%
15.89%
View Plan
Pension Mid Cap Fund PNB MetLife
Rating
31.41% 24.68%
18.41%
View Plan
Growth Plus Fund Canara HSBC Life
Rating
12.97% 11.89%
11.57%
View Plan
US Equity Fund Star Union Dai-ichi Life
Rating
15.2% -
14.8%
View Plan
Fund rating powered by
Last updated: Nov 2025
Compare more funds

Fund Name AUM Return 3 Years Return 5 Years Return 10 Years Minimum Investment Return Since Launch
Motilal Oswal BSE Enhanced Value Index Fund Regular - Growth ₹822.00 Crs 35.31% N/A N/A ₹500 35.07%
Bandhan Small Cap Fund Regular-Growth ₹14,062.19 Crs 29.34% 30.26% N/A ₹1,000 31.59%
Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Regular-Growth ₹33,608.53 Crs 25.97% 33.24% 17.66% ₹500 22.31%
ICICI Prudential Infrastructure Fund-Growth ₹7,941.20 Crs 28.79% 37.23% 17.14% ₹5,000 15.97%
Canara Robeco Large Cap Fund Regular-Growth ₹16,406.92 Crs 16.08% 17.34% 13.87% ₹100 12.99%
Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund Direct- Growth ₹39,975.32 Crs 14.85% 17.48% 14.46% ₹5,000 16.26%
Kotak Midcap Fund Regular-Growth ₹57,375.20 Crs 22.42% 27.51% 18.07% ₹100 15.26%
SBI Small Cap Fund-Growth ₹35,562.96 Crs 13.89% 23.99% 18.17% ₹5,000 19.25%
SBI Gold ETF ₹8,810.86 Crs 31.81% 17.85% 15.14% ₹5,000 12.57%

Last updated: Nov 2025

Compare more funds

What are the Causes of Delaying Investments?

Several factors contribute to investment delays, including:

  • Insufficient financial knowledge: A lack of understanding about investment plans can lead to hesitation.

  • Absence of clear goals and planning: Without a structured SIP plan, investments often get postponed.

  • Procrastination: Many individuals delay investing, thinking they’ll start “someday.”

  • Bad budgeting habits: Poor money management can result in insufficient funds for investing.

  • Fear of taking risks: Some investors hesitate due to concerns about market fluctuations.

Start An Sip Today Watch Your Money Grow Start An Sip Today Watch Your Money Grow

Conclusion

A Cost of Delay Calculator serves as a valuable tool for investors, emphasizing the importance of timely financial planning. While the tool does not offer investment advice or guarantee returns, it provides clarity on the long-term impact of delaying investments. By taking action early and making informed decisions, you can optimize your financial growth and work towards a secure future.

SIP Hub

FAQs

  • Can life insurance help minimize the impact of investment delays?

    Yes, starting an investment in a savings plan early allows you to invest over a longer period, leading to better returns. Similarly, purchasing a ULIP policy at a younger age ensures financial security for your family over an extended policy term. Early investment in insurance can help reduce the financial impact of delays.
  • How does the investment delay cost calculator support investment planning?

    The investment delay calculator helps you make informed decisions by showcasing the financial consequences of postponing investments. It enables you to identify the best time to begin investing and align your strategy with your long-term financial goals.
  • Why is it crucial to assess the cost of delaying investments?

    Understanding the cost of delaying investments highlights the importance of starting early. It allows you to see the potential loss in returns and the long-term benefits of timely investing.

˜The insurers/plans mentioned are arranged in order of highest to lowest first year premium (sum of individual single premium and individual non-single premium) offered by Policybazaar’s insurer partners offering life insurance investment plans on our platform, as per ‘first year premium of life insurers as at 31.03.2025 report’ published by IRDAI. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. For complete list of insurers in India refer to the IRDAI website www.irdai.gov.in
Disclaimer:#The investment risk in the portfolio is borne by the policyholder. Life insurance is available in this product. The maturity amount of Rs 1 Cr. is for a 30 year old healthy individual investing Rs 10,000/- per month for 30 years, with assumed rates of returns @ 8% p.a. that is not guaranteed and is not the upper or lower limits as the value of your policy depends on a number of factors including future investment performance. In Unit Linked Insurance Plans, the investment risk in the investment portfolio is borne by the policyholder and the returns are not guaranteed. Maturity Value: ₹1,05,02,174 @ CAGR 8%; ₹50,45,591 @ CAGR 4%. All SIPs listed here are of insurance companies’ funds. The tax benefits under Section 80C allow a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakhs from the taxable income per year and 10(10D) tax benefits are for investments made up to ₹2.5 Lakhs/ year for policies bought after 1 Feb 2021. Tax benefits and savings are subject to changes in tax laws.
*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard T&C Apply
^The tax benefits under Section 80C allow a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakhs from the taxable income per year and 10(10D) tax benefits are for investments made up to ₹2.5 Lakhs/ year for policies bought after 1 Feb 2021. Tax benefits and savings are subject to changes in tax laws.
¶Long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax (12.5%) is exempted on annual premiums up to 2.5 lacs.
++Source - Google Review Rating available on:- http://bit.ly/3J20bXZ
^^The information relating to mutual funds presented in this article is for educational purpose only and is not meant for sale. Investment is subject to market risks and the risk is borne by the investor. Please consult your financial advisor before planning your investments.
**Returns are based on past 10 years’ fund performance data (Fund Data Source: Value Research).

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