Understanding Unit: What It Is and How to Calculate It?

When you start investing, you might hear the term "unit" used often, especially in the context of mutual funds, ETFs, or other collective investments. Understanding what a unit is and how to calculate it is important for beginner investors. It might seem confusing, but understanding units is actually quite simple! This article will explain what a unit is, why it matters, and how to calculate it, making your investment journey smoother.

| Key Takeaway |

Understanding units is important for beginner investors because it helps you know exactly what you are buying and how much of the fund you own. Calculating units is simple: just divide your investment amount by the unit price. Similarly, you can calculate the total value of your investment by multiplying the number of units you own by the current unit price. This basic knowledge will empower you to make more informed investment decisions and better manage your portfolio.

What is a Unit?

A unit represents a portion of ownership in a collective investment scheme, such as a mutual fund or an exchange-traded fund (ETF). Imagine you're investing in a mutual fund, which is like a pool of money that buys various stocks and bonds. When you invest in a mutual fund, you don't directly own those stocks or bonds. Instead, you purchase units of the fund. 

Think of each unit like a tiny slice of the entire pie (the mutual fund). The more units you own, the bigger your slice of the pie (and potentially, your returns).

Why Units Matter

Units are important because they determine your share of the investment's returns. The value of each unit, known as the Net Asset Value (NAV), fluctuates based on the performance of the fund's underlying assets. If the value of the assets increases, the NAV of each unit also increases.

• Benefit: By owning units, you have a proportionate share in the profits (or losses) of the fund, which makes it easier to invest in a diversified portfolio without needing a large amount of money.

How to Calculate 

There are two main scenarios where you might need to calculate units:

• • Units

  • Calculating Total Value

Calculating units : 

1. Determine the Amount to Invest: Decide how much money you want to invest in the fund.

2. Find the Current NAV: Check the current Net Asset Value (NAV) per unit of the fund. This information is usually available on the fund’s website or through your investment platform.

3. Calculate the Number of Units: Divide the amount you want to invest by the current NAV.

Example Calculation

 > Let’s say you want to invest $500 in a mutual fund, and the current NAV per unit is $20.

Formula: Number of Units = Amount to Invest / Current NAV

Calculation: Number of Units = $500 / $20 = 25 units

So, with a $500 investment, you would own 25 units of the fund.

Calculating Total Value 

After some time, the unit price of the mutual fund might change. The total value of units is the overall worth of your investment in a fund, based on the current price (Net Asset Value, or NAV) of each unit. It helps you understand how much your investment is currently worth.

1. Find the Number of Units You Own: This information is usually available on your investment statement or through your investment platform.

2. Check the Current NAV per Unit: The current Net Asset Value (NAV) per unit can be found on the fund’s website or your investment platform.

3. Calculate the Total Value: Multiply the number of units you own by the current NAV per unit.

Example Calculation

 > If the unit price goes up to $10, and you still own 20 units, the total value of your investment would be: 

Formula:  Total Value = Number of Units x Current NAV per Unit

Calculation: Total Value = 20 units x  $10/unit = $200

So, the total value of your units is $200.

Conclusion

Units are a fundamental concept in collective investments like mutual funds and ETFs. They represent your share of the fund and are easy to calculate. By understanding and calculating units, you can clearly see how much of a fund you own and track your investment’s performance over time. This knowledge is a valuable tool in your investing toolkit, helping you navigate the investment world with confidence. As you explore different investment options.

Remember: units are like your tiny piece of the investment pie!

Happy investing!