Quick comparison: average monthly income
Multiply investment by annual yield, then divide by 12. Use the same currency throughout: a CAD investment produces CAD estimates; a USD investment produces USD estimates. This is not a currency conversion.
| Investment | 3% annual yield | 5% annual yield | 7% annual yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $25.00 | $41.67 | $58.33 |
| $25,000 | $62.50 | $104.17 | $145.83 |
| $50,000 | $125.00 | $208.33 | $291.67 |
Worked example: $25,000 at 5%
$25,000 × 0.05 = $1,250 annually. Dividing by 12 gives an average of $104.17 per month. If paid in four equal quarterly distributions, each payment would be $312.50. You would not receive $104.17 every month.
Enter your own amount in the dividend income calculator. Choose Estimate view and enter the annual yield, not the percentage paid in one month.
What if the payout falls?
Suppose the same investment initially pays $1,250 annually, then its cash distributions fall by 25%. Annual income becomes $937.50, or $78.13 per month on average. This example holds the investment amount fixed; the market value could also change.
How much for a $500 monthly goal?
A $500 monthly target is $6,000 annually. At a hypothetical 5% annual yield, the required investment is $6,000 ÷ 0.05 = $120,000, before tax. Use Goal view to test another amount. For a larger target, see the $1,000/month investment guide.
Turn the estimate into a spending plan
Compare income received with expenses actually paid. A projection is not a bank balance: keep expected and received payments separate. Understand payment timing before matching income to bills, and compare reinvestment with taking cash.
Frequently asked questions
Does a higher yield mean a better result?
The table only calculates cash income at the entered rate. It does not measure changes in investment value, fees, or total return. It cannot establish whether an investment is suitable. Learn more in our high-yield ETF income and risk guide.
Are these current ETF yields?
No. The rates are illustrative inputs. Check a fund issuer’s dated distribution information before using a rate for a particular ETF.
Track your actual cash flow
After estimating income, open WealthFlow to track income and expenses. Keep projected payments separate from money actually received. Check the app’s storage notice before entering personal information.
More income planning tools
Explore CountYield or return to the dividend calculator.
Educational estimates only. No individual investment or tax recommendation. Distributions and investment values can change.