Cost of Delaying SIP Calculator
Enter your planned SIP to see what delaying it by months or years actually costs.
Runs entirely in your browser — your numbers never leave this page.
How it works
Delay doesn't just skip installments — it amputates the compounding years:
- The math: a 1-year delay on a 20-year SIP doesn't cost 5% — it costs ~13%, because the missing year is the last year, when the corpus is biggest.
- Early years matter most: money invested earliest compounds longest. Year 1's SIP grows 20 years; year 20's grows once.
- "Waiting for a dip": dips are unpredictable; the delay is certain. Time in market beats timing the market.
- The fix: start now with whatever you can — even Rs 5k — and step up later. A small early SIP beats a big late one.
Frequently asked questions
How much does delaying a SIP cost?
Roughly 13% of the corpus per delayed year on a 20-year horizon — far more than the skipped installments.
Why is the cost so high?
The delayed year is effectively the last compounding year, when the corpus is largest. Missing it amputates peak growth.
Should I wait for a market dip?
No — dips are unpredictable, delay is certain. Time in the market beats timing the market.
What if I can only start small?
Start small now and step up later. Early small SIPs beat late big ones because of compounding time.
Does this apply to lump sums too?
Yes — and more brutally, since the entire amount misses the compounding years.
What about delaying by 5 years?
On a 20-year horizon, ~50% of the corpus vanishes. The calculator shows your exact number.
Isn't some delay rational?
Only to build an emergency fund or clear high-interest debt first — never to "wait for the right time".
Can I make up a delay?
Partially — step up the SIP amount. But lost time never fully returns; the math favors starting now.
Does pausing mid-way cost the same?
Similar mechanics — a pause removes installments AND their compounding. Avoid pauses except in real emergencies.
What return should I assume?
12% for equity SIPs is the standard long-term planning assumption in India.