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Investment & Managed Fund Calculator (Australia)

$
yr
%

Total value

$111,438

Expected return: 7.5%
Amount invested
$48,000
Estimated returns
$63,438
Total value
$111,438

Growth over time

120
Amount investedEstimated returns

Estimates only. Returns are not guaranteed; past performance does not predict future results.

How this investment calculator works

This free Australian investment calculator projects how your money could grow in managed funds, ETFs and superannuation. Add a regular (monthly/fortnightly equivalent) contribution, a lump sum, or both; choose an expected return p.a. and a time period, and it compounds your money month by month. Unlike the siloed Moneysmart tools, it also shows your return after fees and after CGT (with the 50% discount) and can adjust for inflation to show today's dollars.

Using each mode

  • Monthly: enter a regular contribution; the calculator invests and compounds it each period.
  • Lump sum: model a single investment growing over time.
  • Step-up: increase your contribution by a set percentage each year.
  • Withdrawal: draw a regular income from a balance and see how long it lasts (useful for account-based pension planning).
  • Goal: set a target and solve for the contribution, lump sum, time or return required.

Toggle inflation-adjusted, fees, after-tax and the conservative/expected/aggressive scenario band.

What return should I assume?

Diversified share funds have returned roughly 7–10% a year on average over the long run before inflation; balanced options sit lower. ASIC's Moneysmart uses conservative default assumptions in its tools, and real returns vary year to year. The calculator defaults to 7.5% and offers a scenario range so you can model a realistic spread rather than a single number.

How managed funds and ETFs are taxed in Australia

Outside super, capital gains are added to your assessable income, but assets held over 12 months qualify for the 50% CGT discount, so only half the gain is taxed at your marginal rate. Franked dividends carry franking credits that offset tax on the dividend. Inside superannuation, earnings are taxed at just 15% (and capital gains effectively 10% when held over 12 months), and many retirees pay 0% in the pension phase. See the ATO guidance on capital gains tax and franking credits. Switch the account type to compare a taxable holding versus super.

How fees reduce returns

A fund's management expense ratio (MER/ICR) is deducted every year and compounds against you. Moneysmart's managed-funds fee calculator shows how a 1% fee versus 0.2% can cost tens of thousands over decades on a meaningful balance. Turn on the fees toggle to see your net-of-fees result — low-cost index ETFs typically charge 0.04%–0.30%.

Super, ETFs and the order to invest

Superannuation is the most tax-effective long-term vehicle for most Australians (15% on earnings, concessional contributions). Beyond super, low-cost ETFs and managed funds in a taxable account are flexible and benefit from the 50% CGT discount after 12 months. Use the account toggle to compare keeping the same fund inside super versus a taxable brokerage holding.

How does the 50% CGT discount work on managed funds and ETFs?⌄
If you hold an asset for more than 12 months, only 50% of the capital gain is added to your assessable income and taxed at your marginal rate. Selling within 12 months means the whole gain is taxed. Turn on the after-tax toggle to see your net result with the discount applied.
What return should I use for an Australian investment calculator?⌄
Diversified share funds have averaged roughly 7–10% a year before inflation over the long run, with balanced options lower. Returns are not guaranteed, so use the conservative/expected/aggressive scenario band rather than a single figure. The default is 7.5%.
Is it better to invest inside super or in a taxable account?⌄
Super is highly tax-effective — earnings are taxed at just 15% and often 0% in the retirement pension phase — but your money is locked up until preservation age. A taxable ETF or managed fund holding is fully accessible and gets the 50% CGT discount after 12 months. Use the account toggle to compare both.
How do franking credits affect my returns?⌄
Australian companies that pay tax can attach franking credits to dividends. These credits offset the tax you owe on the dividend and can even be refunded if they exceed your tax liability, effectively boosting the after-tax return of franked Australian share funds.
How much do fees cost me over time?⌄
A lot. Because the management fee is charged each year on the whole balance, paying 1% instead of 0.2% can cost tens of thousands of dollars over 20–30 years on a large balance. Low-cost index ETFs keep more of the market return — use the fees toggle to see the difference.
How much do I need to invest to retire comfortably?⌄
Use Goal mode: set your target balance and solve for the required monthly contribution, or use Withdrawal mode to see how long a balance lasts at a chosen income. The right number depends on your time horizon, assumed return and whether you invest inside super.