Expense Ratio Calculator

Expense ratios look tiny in percent but convert to real dollars on a large 401(k) or index fund balance. This page annualizes the headline fee on today’s balance.

It does not model shrinking balance from withdrawals—only fee dollars on the amount you type.

Fund fees in dollars

Account / fund balance ($)

Expense ratio (%)

Years (for cumulative estimate)

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How this is calculated

Annual fee $ = balance × (expense ratio ÷ 100).

Cumulative (simple) = annual fee × years—useful when balance is stable; if your balance grows, actual fees grow too (not modeled here).

Use this tool for

• Translating 0.35% into dollars on a $410k rollover.
• Comparing share classes that differ by a few basis points.
• Explaining why basis points matter on large pools.

Common questions

12b-1 or transaction costs?

Only the expense ratio you enter—add other costs separately.

ETF vs mutual fund?

Both publish expense ratios; enter the number from the prospectus or fact sheet.