ETF vs mutual fund calculator

Cost difference over a holding period.

Built and reviewed by Dovanic, Founder and editor, FreeByteLast reviewed: 2026-08-18

Invested

ETF expense ratio

0.07%

Fund expense ratio

0.85%

Gross return

Years

ETF advantage

$28,621

ETF balance

$199,146

Show in today's money

With these inputs, ETF advantage comes to $28,621 over 20 years. ETF balance works out to $199,146. The result assumes gross return stays at 7%.

Over time · by years

Input	−10%	Now	+10%
Invested	$25,759	$28,621	$31,483
ETF expense ratio	$28,898	$28,621	$28,344
Fund expense ratio	$25,712	$28,621	$31,481
Gross return	$24,914	$28,621	$32,876
Years	$22,604	$28,621	$35,877

Whatmakesequal

Save this set of inputs, change something, then save again to compare the outcomes side by side.

Cost difference over a holding period.

With the defaults above, etf advantage works out at $28,621.