Fund Expense Ratio
Returns the annual expense ratio for an ETF or mutual fund. The expense ratio represents the percentage of fund assets used to cover operating expenses including management fees, administrative fees, and other costs.
Return Value
A numeric value representing the expense ratio. Check the format — some data sources return a percentage (e.g., 0.03 for 0.03%) while others return a decimal (e.g., 0.0003 for 0.03%).
Notes
- Returns "NA" for stocks or invalid symbols
- Lower expense ratios generally mean more of your returns stay in your pocket
- Index funds typically have much lower expense ratios than actively managed funds
- The expense ratio is deducted from fund assets, reducing NAV — it's not a separate charge
Syntax
=FundExpenseRatio(Symbol)Examples
=FundExpenseRatio("SPY")=FundExpenseRatio("VTI")=FundExpenseRatio("QQQ")=FundExpenseRatio("ARKK")=FundExpenseRatio(A1)When to Use
- Comparing costs across similar funds
- Screening for low-cost index funds
- Calculating total cost of ownership for a portfolio
- Evaluating whether active management fees are justified
When NOT to Use
| Scenario | Use Instead |
|----------|-------------|
| Need fund performance | GetHistory() |
| Need fund yield | DividendYield() |
| Need fund size | FundNetAssets() |
Common Issues & FAQ
Is the expense ratio a percentage or decimal?
Check the magnitude of the returned value. A value like 0.03 typically means 0.03% (3 basis points), not 3%.
Why does the expense ratio differ from what I see on Vanguard/Fidelity's website?
Data sources may report gross vs. net expense ratios. Net ratios reflect fee waivers that may be temporary.
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