Method, example and interpretation · Revised 16 October 2026
Compare scenarios without equating debt with investment returns
The side-by-side view keeps EMI, SIP and RD inputs independent. It is a workspace for comparing cash commitments, not a ranking that says borrowing and investing are interchangeable products.
Understand what each bar represents
The EMI bar combines borrowed principal and interest you pay. SIP combines contributions with assumed market growth. RD combines deposits with modelled deposit interest. A larger bar is not automatically better: one represents an outgoing repayment obligation while the others represent projected asset values.
Match horizons when answering a specific question
The defaults deliberately have different terms. Before comparing saving outcomes, align the contribution budget and time horizon. When comparing investing versus repaying a loan, also consider tax, fees, liquidity, investment uncertainty and any prepayment charge; those factors are not solved by placing two nominal totals beside each other.
Use the detailed tool for follow-up
Open the EMI page for its complete monthly schedule, the SIP page for year-by-year contributions, and the RD page for deposit timing. All calculations use shared methods, so identical inputs should agree. This view helps identify the next question; it does not select a financial product for you.
Worked example
Compare ₹5,000/month for two years in RD with a separately chosen SIP assumption.
At an RD assumption of 6.5%, the model gives ₹1,28,425 before tax.
An assumed SIP rate is uncertain; a deposit quotation has different contractual and liquidity conditions. Keep that distinction visible when interpreting the totals.
Questions about this tool
Does a higher SIP projection prove I should invest instead of repay debt?
No. Compare risk, guaranteed borrowing cost, taxes, cash reserves and your time horizon as well as the projected number.