SIP & Investing Feb 18, 2026

SIP Explained: How SIP is Calculated for Indian Investors

Invest smart in India with SIPs! Learn how SIP is calculated, the benefits, and grow your wealth through cost averaging & compounding

Author

Priya Nair

Senior Compliance Editor at IFSC.co

3 min read

Investing wisely is the key to building a secure financial future. Indian investors prefer mutual funds because they often offer higher returns compared to conventional savings methods. One popular way to invest in mutual funds is through SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans).

SIP encourages discipline and provides a structured way of investing, even for beginners. In this blog, we will explain how SIP works, how SIP is calculated, and why it is considered a smart investment strategy.


What is SIP?

A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) allows investors to contribute a fixed amount at regular intervals—usually monthly or quarterly—into mutual funds.

SIPs help investors build a habit of investing regularly regardless of market conditions. Over time, investors benefit from compounding, which significantly supports wealth creation.


Components of SIP Calculation

To understand how SIP is calculated, let’s break down its key elements:

1. Amount and Frequency of Investment

SIP involves investing a fixed amount regularly. Investors can choose monthly, quarterly, or even weekly investments based on their financial goals and risk appetite.

2. Net Asset Value (NAV)

NAV is the per-unit value of a mutual fund scheme. It is calculated by dividing the total value of assets minus liabilities by the number of outstanding units.

NAV changes daily depending on market performance and determines the price at which units are allotted.

3. Units Allocated

Units are allocated based on the formula:

Units = Investment Amount ÷ NAV

If NAV is higher, fewer units are allotted; if NAV is lower, more units are allotted. Over time, this results in cost averaging.


Example of SIP Calculation

Suppose you invest ₹5,000 monthly in a mutual fund with an NAV of ₹50:

Month 1: 5000 ÷ 50 = 100 units

If NAV increases to ₹52 in Month 2:

Month 2: 5000 ÷ 52 = 96.15 units

This process continues every month, allowing investors to accumulate units at different NAV levels.


Benefits of SIP

  • Disciplined Investing: Encourages consistent savings.
  • Cost Averaging: Units are bought at varying NAVs, reducing overall risk.
  • Reduced Market Volatility Impact: Investments spread across different market cycles.
  • Power of Compounding: Returns generated are reinvested, increasing long-term growth potential.

Conclusion

SIPs are a simple and effective investment strategy for both beginners and experienced investors. Understanding how SIP is calculated helps you align investments with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Start your SIP journey today and take a step toward financial security and long-term wealth creation.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you calculate SIP with an example?

Divide the monthly investment amount by the NAV on the SIP date to determine the units purchased. Example: ₹5,000 ÷ ₹50 NAV = 100 units.

2. How is interest calculated on SIP?

SIPs do not earn fixed interest. Returns depend on the mutual fund’s performance and NAV growth over time.

3. What is ₹3,000 SIP for 5 years?

It means investing ₹3,000 monthly for 5 years. The final value depends on the fund’s performance and compounding over the period.

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