Investment Return Calculator

Calculate total return and annualized CAGR from starting and ending investment values.

Build your scenario

Use your actual figures where available. The output is an educational estimate based on the assumptions below.

FINANCIAL ESTIMATE

—

CAGR (annualized)—

Change in value—

Years—

Results are estimates for education. Actual terms, rates, taxes, fees, compounding, and lender or investment conditions can change the outcome.

How this investment return calculator works

Total return is (ending minus starting) divided by starting. CAGR is the constant effective annual rate that would take the starting value to the ending value over the years you enter. It is not a year-by-year history.

Important: Review the assumptions shown under each input. Changing one assumption can materially change the result.

When to use this calculator

Turn a starting value, ending value and holding period into total return and CAGR.
Compare two completed holding periods on an annualized basis.
Remember deposits, withdrawals, fees and taxes are omitted unless already in the two values.

Related education

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Frequently asked questions

Did the investment earn the CAGR every year?

Not necessarily. CAGR is a smoothed effective annual rate, not a record of each year's return.

Are extra contributions included?

No. The math is start versus end only. Regular deposits belong on the compound-interest or DCA pages.

Is CAGR a nominal or effective rate?

Effective annualized: the constant annual rate that produces the ending value. Intra-year compounding is not stated separately.