How Accurate Is a SIP Return Calculator? Need Advice from Experienced Investors

Looking to Understand SIP Returns Before I Start Investing
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to start investing in mutual funds through SIP (Systematic Investment Plan), but before I commit, I’ve been exploring various tools to understand how my money might grow over time. I came across the SIP Return Calculator, and it seems helpful—but I’m unsure how reliable or accurate it really is in predicting actual returns.

What Exactly Does a SIP Return Calculator Do?
After the first 20 characters, I saw that the SIP Return Calculator lets you estimate how much your SIP investments can grow based on inputs like the monthly amount, investment duration, and expected annual returns. It’s simple to use, and several websites offer it for free. But here’s where I’m confused—how close are these projections to reality?

Do these calculators account for market volatility, fund performance changes, or inflation? Or are they just giving a best-case scenario?

SIP Calculator Results vs Real-Life Returns?
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been investing via SIP for a while. If you’ve used an SIP Calculator in the past:

Did the predicted returns match your actual outcomes?

How do you adjust expectations using the calculator when markets are unstable?

Can it really help choose the Best SIP, or is that still a matter of research and financial advice?

How Do You Personally Pick the Best SIP?
I’ve also been researching what qualifies as the Best SIP—there are so many options out there. Some suggest looking at past performance, while others emphasize consistency, risk ratio, and fund house reputation. I’m wondering:

Do you use the calculator first, or shortlist funds based on expert reviews?

Is there a particular SIP you recommend for beginners?

Open to All Insights and Suggestions!
Please share your experience with SIPs and calculators. Any advice on how to make the most of the SIP Return Calculator or tips for selecting the right SIP would be really appreciated.

Wrapping Up
I want to make an informed start with SIP investing, and community insights would be a huge help. Thanks in advance for your input!