Free Financial Calculator

Investment Fee Calculator

Compare two annual investment-cost assumptions and see the modeled direct fees, compounding effect and ending-value difference over time.

Reviewed · Aug 16, 2026

What this does

Compares two annual investment-cost levels and shows the modeled difference in fees and ending value.

Have ready

Your starting balance, annual contribution, time horizon, return assumption and the two fee levels you want to compare.

Terra approachTransparent assumptionsEducational comparisonNo product recommendationHow Terra handles revenue →

Your assumptions

Change the numbers yourself. Terra shows a deterministic scenario, not a prediction.

Starting portfolio

Annual contribution

Illustrative gross annual return (%)

Years

Current annual cost (%)

Comparison annual cost (%)

Saved scenarios stay privately in this browser under My Terra. Nothing is saved unless you choose Save this scenario.

Your result

The headline answer stays simple. Open the graph or table only when you want to see how the result develops over time.

Approx. first-year current fee on starting portfolio$0

Modeled cumulative current-scenario fees$0

Modeled ending-value gap$0

Annual cost-rate difference$0

Each year Terra applies the gross return assumption, then subtracts that scenario's annual percentage cost and finally adds the annual contribution. The comparison changes the cost rate only.

How to read this result

The ending-value gap is not a billIt is the modeled difference between two otherwise identical scenarios after recurring annual costs compound over time.

Cost is not the same as valueA higher-cost service may provide planning or other benefits. The calculator isolates cost so you can judge the service separately.

Why small annual fees can become large dollar gaps →Read: What is a good expense ratio? →Read the deeper guide: What do advisor fees really cost? →

Help improve TerraWas this page helpful?

One click helps us see what needs improving. Terra does not send your calculator inputs or questionnaire answers with this feedback.

Need the full advisor-cost picture?

This quick calculator isolates one percentage cost. Advisor True-Cost adds fund expenses, tax drag, withdrawals, dividend handling, fee tiers and a return-hurdle comparison.

Take the next step →

Want a published benchmark instead?

Terra's 1% Fee Study runs one controlled scenario across five starting balances and 10-, 20- and 30-year horizons, with the underlying data available to download.

See Terra's 1% Fee Study →

How to read it

Useful math, with visible limits.

Why is the ending-value gap larger than the fees paid?

Money paid in fees also loses the opportunity to remain invested and compound. The ending-value difference therefore includes both direct modeled fees and the growth those dollars no longer earn.

Does this say the lower-cost option is better?

No. The calculator holds gross return and contributions constant to isolate cost. Real services, advice, taxes, behavior and investment choices may differ.

When should I use Advisor True-Cost instead?

Use the deeper tool when you want tiered or flat advisor fees, fund expenses, tax drag, withdrawals, dividends and the return hurdle in one scenario.

Terra calculators are educational scenario tools. Results depend on the assumptions entered and do not predict returns, taxes, employer plan rules, advisor value, or future financial outcomes.