How much should I save each month for a goal?
Use the required mode: enter the goal, the time, and an expected return, and the calculator spreads the goal across the months, allowing for growth, to estimate the monthly amount.
Saving & Goals calculator
Savings Goal Calculator India
Plan a savings goal in India: find the monthly amount needed to reach a target by a date, or check whether your current monthly saving will get there, with optional existing savings and an inflation-adjusted target.
Interactive calculator
Plan your savings goal
Find the monthly saving you need, or check whether your current saving reaches the goal. Returns are an assumption and are not guaranteed.
Limitations
- Returns are an assumption, not a guarantee; real returns vary and can be negative.
- Inflation, taxes, and product charges are simplified or not included.
- The plan assumes a steady monthly amount; real saving is rarely perfectly regular.
- This is a planning estimate, not financial advice or a product recommendation.
Year-by-year projection
Estimated amount contributed, value, and growth at the end of each year.
| Period | Contributed | Estimated value | Estimated growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ₹1,63,452 | ₹1,70,452 | ₹7,000 |
| Year 2 | ₹3,26,904 | ₹3,54,539 | ₹27,635 |
| Year 3 | ₹4,90,356 | ₹5,53,354 | ₹62,998 |
| Year 4 | ₹6,53,808 | ₹7,68,074 | ₹1,14,266 |
| Year 5 | ₹8,17,260 | ₹9,99,972 | ₹1,82,712 |
What to do next
Continue your decision
Formula, example, assumptions, and FAQs — open any section for the detail.
Formula
Effective monthly return
Monthly rate = (1 + annual return ÷ 100)^(1 ÷ 12) − 1The annual return is converted to a compounded monthly rate, not simply divided by 12. At 0% the rate is 0 and savings just add up.
Growth of savings
Existing: L × (1 + r)^n · Monthly: P × (1 + r) × ((1 + r)^n − 1) ÷ rL is existing savings, P is the monthly saving, r is the monthly rate, and n is the number of months. Monthly amounts are treated as invested at the start of each month.
Required monthly saving
P = (goal − existing × (1 + r)^n) ÷ ((1 + r) × ((1 + r)^n − 1) ÷ r)The goal is reduced by the future value of any existing savings, and the remainder is spread across the months. If existing savings already cover the goal, no monthly saving is required.
Inflation-adjusted goal
Adjusted goal = goal × (1 + inflation ÷ 100)^yearsIf an inflation rate is entered, the goal is increased so it keeps the same value in future rupees. With 0% inflation the goal is unchanged.
Worked example
Example: ₹10,00,000 in 5 years at 8%
Someone wants ₹10,00,000 in 5 years, assumes an 8% annual return, has no existing savings, and ignores inflation.
Calculation:The effective monthly rate is about 0.643%. Spreading the goal across 60 months gives a required saving of about ₹13,621 a month, contributing ₹8,17,260 in total with the rest from growth. Saving only ₹10,000 a month would reach about ₹7,34,140 — a shortfall of about ₹2,65,860.
Result:About ₹13,621 a month reaches the goal. At ₹10,000 a month the plan falls short by roughly ₹2,65,860, so about ₹3,621 more each month is needed. Figures are estimates; returns are not guaranteed.
Assumptions
- The expected return is a constant annual assumption, compounded to an effective monthly rate.
- Monthly savings are treated as set aside at the start of each month, and existing savings grow at the same return.
- Real returns vary and can be higher, lower, or negative in any period.
- If an inflation rate is entered, only the goal amount is adjusted; it does not change the assumed return.
- Taxes, charges, and any specific product rules are not included.
- Results are rounded to whole rupees and are an estimate, not a guarantee or financial advice.
Common mistakes
- Treating the expected return as guaranteed instead of an assumption.
- Ignoring inflation, so the goal buys less than expected by the time it is reached.
- Forgetting to include savings already set aside for the goal.
- Setting a return that is too optimistic, which understates how much to save.
- Checking only the monthly amount and not whether it fits the household budget.
- Assuming a fixed monthly saving will always be possible without reviewing it.
- Confusing the saving method (SIP, FD, RD) with the goal itself.
Accuracy notes
The plan is built with an effective monthly return and a month-by-month projection, and amounts are rounded to whole rupees. In required mode the rounded monthly saving can leave the projection a few rupees from the goal. Returns and inflation are assumptions, and real outcomes will vary.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if my current saving is enough?
Use the check mode and enter your current monthly saving. The calculator projects its value at the goal date and shows any shortfall or surplus, plus the extra amount needed.
Should I include inflation?
For goals a few years away, inflation matters. Entering an inflation rate raises the goal so it keeps the same value in future rupees, which usually increases the monthly saving needed.
What return should I assume?
Use a figure that matches how you will save. A fixed deposit or RD return is more conservative than an equity-linked assumption. Returns are not guaranteed, so a cautious figure is safer for planning.
Does this include my existing savings?
Yes, if you enter them. Existing savings grow at the same assumed return and reduce the monthly amount you need. If they already cover the goal, no further saving may be required.
Is this financial advice?
No. It is a planning estimate only. It does not recommend any product or guarantee returns. Consider your full situation and consult a qualified, registered adviser if needed.
Why is the projected value not exactly the goal in required mode?
The required monthly saving is rounded to whole rupees, so the projection can land a few rupees above or below the goal. The difference is not material for planning.
What if my income or saving changes?
Treat the result as a starting plan and review it when your income, goal, or timeline changes. Real life rarely follows a fixed monthly amount exactly.
This calculator provides a general estimate for planning and education only. It is not financial advice or a recommendation of any product, and returns are not guaranteed. Actual outcomes depend on your savings choice, market conditions, inflation, taxes, and charges. Review your plan regularly.Read the full disclaimer.