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SWP Explained: A Guide to Systematic Withdrawal Plans
Updated: Jul 21, 2025Read: 6 min read

SWP Explained: A Guide to Systematic Withdrawal Plans

Learn about SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) and how it helps you manage your investments efficiently. Explore benefits, strategies, and tips.

💡 What is a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)?

An SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) is an investment strategy where you withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investment at regular intervals (monthly, quarterly, or annually).

Think of it as the opposite of a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan):

  • With a SIP, you invest money regularly to build wealth.
  • With an SWP, you withdraw money regularly while your remaining capital continues to grow.

🛠️ Why Use an SWP Calculator?

An SWP Calculator saves you from complex math by instantly showing:

  • How long your money will last given your monthly withdrawals.
  • How much you can safely withdraw without eroding your capital too fast.
  • How much interest you’ll earn over your withdrawal period.
  • The final balance you’ll have after the SWP tenure.

It’s especially helpful if you’re:

  • Planning retirement income.
  • Supplementing your salary or business cash flow.
  • Trying to avoid premature depletion of your investments.

📊 SWP Calculation Formula Explained

For those who like to understand the math, here’s the basic formula our SWP calculator uses:

Remaining Balance = P × (1 + r/n)(n×t) – W × {[ (1 + r/n)(n×t) – 1 ] ÷ (r/n)}

Where:

  • P = Initial Investment
  • r = Annual Interest Rate (in decimal)
  • n = Number of compounding periods (usually 12 for monthly)
  • t = Time in years
  • W = Monthly Withdrawal

This formula helps estimate your final corpus after withdrawals while factoring in compounding returns.

🧮 Example SWP Calculation

Let’s say:

  • Investment: ₹12,00,000
  • Withdrawal: ₹25,000 per month
  • Annual Return: 9% (compounded monthly)
  • Tenure: 5 years (60 months)

Using the SWP Calculator:

  • You’d receive ₹25,000 every month (₹15,00,000 total).
  • At the end of 5 years , your corpus would still have ~₹6,80,000 (approx).
  • Total earnings (returns) over this period: ~₹4,80,000.

This shows how SWP can provide steady income without fully eroding your capital.

🌟 Ideal SWP Parameters

While there’s no “one-size-fits-all,” here are safe and recommended ranges:

  • Investment Amount: ₹1,00,000 to ₹10 crore
  • Monthly Withdrawal: Ideally 4-8% annually of your corpus (not per month).
  • Annual Return Assumption: 6-12% (debt vs equity funds).
  • Tenure: 5+ years for sustainability.

This ensures you don’t burn through your corpus too quickly.

⚖️ SWP vs SIP: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between SWP and SIP depends on your financial goals and life stage. Here’s a quick comparison:

AspectSIPSWP
PurposeTo accumulate wealth over time.To generate regular income.
Ideal ForWorking professionals building a corpus.Retirees or those needing steady cash flow.
Cash FlowOutflow (investing regularly).Inflow (withdrawing regularly).
Tax ImplicationsNo tax until redemption.Tax on capital gains for each withdrawal.

Many investors combine both strategies:

  • Use SIP to build a corpus during your working years.
  • Switch to SWP later to generate income during retirement.

FAQs on SWP Calculator

1. Will SWP deplete my investment?

Not necessarily. If your fund earns a return equal to or greater than your withdrawal rate, your corpus may remain intact or even grow.

2. Are SWP withdrawals taxable?

Yes, they’re treated as capital gains. The tax rate depends on whether your withdrawals are short-term or long-term.

3. Can I change my SWP amount?

Yes, most mutual funds allow you to increase, decrease, or stop SWP anytime.

📝 Conclusion

A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) is a powerful tool for generating regular income while preserving your investment corpus. Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing monthly expenses, or creating a predictable cash flow, SWP can help you achieve your financial goals.

By using our SWP Calculator, you can easily plan your withdrawals, estimate your returns, and ensure your investments last as long as you need them to.

Start planning your SWP today and take control of your financial future!

Disclaimer:Investment in mutual funds and other financial products is subject to market risks.
Please read all scheme-related documents carefully before investing.
Past performance is not indicative of future results.
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