Subscription Burn Calculator 2026
Visualize how much your monthly recurring expenses are worth over 30 years if they were invested instead.
Last updated: May 2026
Opportunity Cost
This is how much you'd have in 30Y if you invested this amount instead.
"Small monthly leaks sink big financial ships." If you cut just 2 unused subscriptions, you could retire months earlier.
Reviewed by Dr. Arpit Verma
•Economic Researcher & PhD (Finance)Arpit oversees the macroeconomic data points, including inflation adjustments and global PPP indices, ensuring our cross-border calculators are backed by solid data. All mathematical models and regulatory data points have been verified for the current 2026 fiscal period.
The Subscription Trap
In 2026, it's easier than ever to sign up for a service. ₹199 for music, ₹499 for video, ₹999 for software — these amounts seem small in isolation. However, these are perpetual liabilities.
When you multiply these small monthly costs by 30 years and factor in 12-15% equity returns, the numbers become shocking. This tool calculates the Opportunity Cost: the wealth you are sacrificing today for convenience or entertainment.
How to use this calculator
- 1List Monthly Costs — Input your monthly spend on Video (OTT), Music, Gym, AI tools, and Newsletters.
- 2Select Horizon — Choose how many years you want to project (typically 20, 30, or 40 years).
- 3Adjust Returns — Set the expected annual return rate if you were to invest this money in a Nifty/S&P Index fund.
- 4Review the Burn — See the total 'Opportunity Cost' in Crores/Millions at the end of the period.
Formula & example
Wealth Lost = Monthly Cost × [((1+r)^n - 1) / r] × (1+r)
Example: ₹3,000/month in total subscriptions.
- Duration: 30 Years
- Expected Return: 12%
- Total Paid: ₹10.8 Lakhs
- Opportunity Cost (Future Value): ₹1.05 Crores!
Benefits
Financial Awareness
Recognize that 'small' monthly charges are actually multi-million dollar decisions over a lifetime.
Expense Optimization
Identify unused services and redirect that capital into compounding assets.
Retirement Boost
See how cutting just ₹1,000/month can add a significant cushion to your retirement.
Use cases
Lifestyle Audits
Periodically checking if your recurring costs align with your long-term wealth goals.
Subscription Management
Deciding whether to buy a yearly plan or cancel a monthly one.
Financial Literacy
Teaching young professionals about the impact of small recurring leaks.
Frequently asked questions
Is this tool suggesting I cancel all subscriptions?+
No! Some services add immense value or joy. This tool is simply to help you understand the long-term price of that value so you can make an informed choice.
Does it factor in price hikes?+
This version uses a fixed monthly amount. In reality, subscriptions often increase in price, making the 'Burn' even higher.
What is a 'good' subscription to keep?+
Generally, tools that improve your health, productivity, or income-earning potential have a higher ROI than pure entertainment.