30 Jul, 2025
4 mins read
For investors seeking long-term wealth creation through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), simplified frameworks can help demystify complex financial concepts. One such framework gaining popularity is the 8-4-3 rule of SIP.
This rule isn’t a mathematical formula but a strategy that demonstrates the power of disciplined investing and compounding. Let’s explore what this rule is, how it works, and whether it suits your investment goals.
The 8-4-3 SIP rule is a thumb rule to illustrate how consistent SIPs in mutual funds can yield wealth over time through compounding. It suggests the following:
Invest for 8 years
Let the investment sit for 4 years without contributions
Watch it grow for 3 more years through compounding
In short: invest for 8 years, stop investing, and still benefit from growth over the next 7 years—4 years of rest and 3 years of compounding gain.
This rule is based on two pillars of investing: time and compounding. The idea is that your investments need time to grow, and even after you stop investing, your corpus continues to earn returns.
Here’s what typically happens:
During the initial 8 years, your monthly SIPs accumulate units of mutual funds.
In the next 4 years, even though you're not investing further, your corpus remains invested and earns returns.
In the last 3 years, compounding amplifies those returns, and the growth curve becomes steeper.
It reflects how SIP for long term works most effectively—not through large amounts but through patience and time.
Compounding is the process where your investment earnings generate their own earnings. Over time, it becomes a powerful wealth multiplier.
For example:
If you invest ₹5,000/month for 8 years at a 12% annual return, your investment of ₹4.8 lakhs can grow to around ₹15+ lakhs in 15 years due to the sip compounding effect—even if you stop contributing after 8 years.
This is why the 8-4-3 rule is practical—it shows how even a pause in contribution doesn’t halt your returns, thanks to compounding.
SIPs are most effective when used as a long-term investment tool. The 8-4-3 rule encourages:
Discipline in investing
Staying invested during volatile markets
Trust in the power of time and compounding
Many investors wonder how to calculate SIP returns and feel anxious when markets fluctuate. This rule helps reduce that anxiety by shifting the focus from short-term gains to long-term outcomes.
Though the rule simplifies the investing journey, calculating returns still involves understanding the SIP return formula. You can use online SIP calculators or apply the future value (FV) formula:
FV = P × (1+r)n–1/r{(1 + r)^n – 1} / r(1+r)n–1/r × (1 + r)
Where:
P = SIP amount
r = monthly interest rate (annual rate ÷ 12)
n = total number of SIPs (months)
Investment growth over the first 8 years.
Growth of that corpus without new investment for the next 7 years (4+3 years).
This gives a close approximation of your final corpus, showing how early investing helps.
Apart from the 8-4-3 rule, here are a few simple sip rules to guide beginners:
10-15-20 Rule: Save 10%, invest 15%, spend 20% of your income.
Step-up SIP: Increase your SIP annually in line with your salary growth.
Start early: Even a small SIP started early can outperform a larger SIP started late due to compounding.
Stay consistent: Avoid frequent breaks; long-term discipline pays off.
These are not hard rules but practical tips to optimize SIP returns.
Easy to remember and implement
Encourages early and disciplined investing
Highlights the power of compounding
Useful in planning for financial goals like retirement or a child's education
Assumes consistent market returns (which may vary)
Not suitable for all investment goals or market cycles
Should not be a replacement for regular financial planning
Still, for those investing in mutual funds through SIP, it serves as a motivating framework to stay on course.
The 8-4-3 rule of SIP is a simple yet powerful reminder of what long-term investing is all about: patience, consistency, and the magic of compounding.
Whether you're planning for retirement, a house, or financial independence, this rule helps visualise the rewards of starting early and staying invested. But remember—it’s a guideline, not a guarantee. Use it as a reference point, not a rigid strategy.
It means investing through SIP for 8 years, then stopping contributions and letting it grow passively for the next 7 years (4 years of resting + 3 years of compounding), to build long-term wealth.
No, the rule suggests continuing SIP for 8 years before stopping. Stopping after 4 years may not give sufficient compounding benefits.
You can use an online SIP calculator or apply the future value formula to calculate the growth over the first 8 years and then simulate passive compounding over the next 7 years.
Yes, it’s especially useful for long-term goals like retirement, where patience and compounding can significantly enhance returns.
Calculate your Net P&L after deducting all the charges like Tax, Brokerage, etc.
Find your required margin.
Calculate the average price you paid for a stock and determine your total cost.
Estimate your investment growth. Calculate potential returns on one-time investments.
Forecast your investment returns. Understand potential growth with regular contributions.
You have successfully submitted your partnership request form. You will be hearing us soon!
Back
