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ETF Comparison Calculator

Compare two ETF paths side by side using growth, yield, fees, and ongoing contributions.

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Compares two ETF strategies side by side with the same starting capital and annual contributions.

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Investing

ETF Comparison Calculator

Compare two ETF paths side by side using growth, yield, fees, and ongoing contributions.

Snapshot
ETF A leads this comparison by about $2,766 after 15 years.
ETF A projects to $431,551 versus $428,785 for ETF B, with future income estimates of $5,610 and $9,004 per year.
ETF A projected value
$431,551
ETF B projected value
$428,785
Your Numbers
Starting amount allocated to each ETF comparison scenario.
$
Annual account contribution.
$
Years
Projection length.
15
Current share price for the first ETF.
$
ETF A price growth
Expected annual price growth for ETF A.
7
ETF A dividend yield
Expected annual cash yield for ETF A.
1.3
ETF A expense ratio
Annual expense drag for ETF A.
0.03
Current share price for the second ETF.
$
ETF B price growth
Expected annual price growth for ETF B.
6.3
ETF B dividend yield
Expected annual cash yield for ETF B.
2.1
ETF B expense ratio
Annual expense drag for ETF B.
0.2
Results
ETF A leads this comparison by about $2,766 after 15 years.
ETF A projects to $431,551 versus $428,785 for ETF B, with future income estimates of $5,610 and $9,004 per year.
ETF A projected value
$431,551
ETF B projected value
$428,785
ETF A fee drag
$804
ETF B fee drag
$5,336

Projection outlook

See how the modeled path evolves over time under the current assumptions.

Projected balance
Total contributions

Conservative currently leads base by about $426,019.

Important findings
What the current inputs suggest
ETF A projects to $431,551 versus $428,785 for ETF B, with future income estimates of $5,610 and $9,004 per year.
What changes the result most
Conservative currently leads base by about $426,019, so the outcome is meaningfully sensitive to your assumptions.
How to use this result
Use the headline to frame the decision, then check the supporting metrics and timeline before acting. The output is strongest as a planning tool, not as a guarantee.

How it works

The calculation, without the clutter

1

Each ETF starts with the same initial investment and the same annual contribution schedule.

2

The model applies annual growth plus dividend yield, then subtracts the expense ratio as a simplified drag.

3

It tracks both ETF balances over time so you can compare the ending gap directly.

Where this tool is most useful

An investor comparing a broad-market ETF against a dividend-focused ETF can see how differences in yield, fee drag, and growth assumptions change the long-term outcome.

Key assumptions

What to sanity-check

  • The model compares two ETF paths using smooth annual return, yield, and fee assumptions rather than real market volatility.
  • Each ETF path receives the same initial investment and annual contribution so the comparison stays apples-to-apples.
  • Expense ratios are modeled as a simple annual drag on performance rather than fund-level tax or tracking-error effects.

Companion guide

How dollar-cost averaging works

Understand why regular investing can help with discipline and long-term consistency.

Read the guide

FAQ

Common questions

Can I compare growth and dividend ETFs here?

Yes. The model is designed to compare different ETF profiles, including broad-market, dividend-focused, and income-oriented funds.

Why does each ETF get the same annual contribution?

It keeps the comparison fair by applying the same new capital to each path. That makes the ending difference easier to interpret.

Do the results include taxes?

No. The ETF comparison is pre-tax and focuses on value, income, and fee drag.

What does expense drag mean?

It is a simplified estimate of the value lost to annual fund fees over the modeled period.

ETF Comparison Calculator | WealthyNest