ESG vs Traditional Fund Calculator
Enter both returns and fees to see the difference over your horizon.
Difference after the period
β
Enter values above
ESG fund value
β
Traditional fund value
β
Annual cost of the preference
β
Fee difference
β
Return gap
β
Worked example
With the default inputs shown below, this calculator returns the following results:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| ESG fund gross return (%) | 7 |
| Traditional fund gross return (%) | 8.2 |
| ESG fund fee (%) | 0.35 |
| Traditional fund fee (%) | 0.15 |
| Investment amount ($) | 100000 |
| Years | 10 |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Difference after the period | $26,519.66 |
| ESG fund value | $190,374 |
| Traditional fund value | $216,894 |
| Annual cost of the preference | $2,651.97 |
| Fee difference | 0.20% |
| Return gap | -1.20% |
Values shown are produced by this page in your browser; change any input to update them.
How to use the ESG vs Traditional Fund Calculator
- ESG fund gross return (%) β default 7
- Traditional fund gross return (%) β default 8.2
- ESG fund fee (%) β default 0.35
- Traditional fund fee (%) β default 0.15
- Investment amount ($) β default 100000
- Years β default 10
- Press Calculate to update the results instantly.
Frequently asked questions
The evidence is mixed. Fees are usually higher and sector exclusions can help or hurt depending on the cycle. Over long periods, fees and tilts matter more than the label.
The annual cost figure spreads the difference across the years, which makes it comparable to the fee you are already paying. It is often a few hundred dollars a year, not a few thousand.
Always compare after fees and check the underlying holdings, not just the label. Two funds can both be called ESG and hold very different portfolios.