ETF vs Mutual Fund Fee Calculator
Canada has some of the highest mutual-fund fees in the developed world. A 2% MER feels invisible — but compounded over decades it quietly transfers a fortune out of your portfolio. Put your fund beside a low-cost ETF and see the real number.
Your numbers
Drag to explore. Nothing is saved.
Lost to fees vs the low-cost option
On $250,000 over 25 years, the 2.10% fund quietly costs $468,195 more than the 0.20% ETF — money you never see leave your account.
Email me a copy of these results
We’ll send a clean, branded summary you can keep or share — and the occasional plain-English note on getting more from your money. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked
What is an MER?
The Management Expense Ratio is the percentage of your investment a fund charges every year. A 2% MER on $250,000 is $5,000 a year — whether the fund goes up or down.
Are ETFs always cheaper than mutual funds?
Not always, but in Canada the gap is usually large: typical equity mutual funds run around 2% while comparable ETFs are often 0.05–0.25%. This tool lets you compare the exact MERs of the products you hold.
Is a lower fee worth switching for?
It depends on tax, exit costs, and the advice you get. This calculator shows only the fee impact — speak with a licensed advisor before changing investments.
Illustrative estimates for education only — not investment, tax, or insurance advice. Figures assume constant returns and simplified rules; your situation will differ. Speak with a licensed professional before acting.