ROI Calculator
Calculate return on investment and the annualized (CAGR) return.
Enter what you put in and what it is worth now to see your total return, net gain, and — with a holding period — the annualized compound growth rate (CAGR).
Enter your Initial investment and the Final value it's worth today. Add a Holding period in years if you want to also see the Annualized (CAGR) return — leave it blank to see only the total ROI and net gain.
Formula & methodology
ROI = (final − initial) ÷ initial × 100 ; CAGR = ((final ÷ initial)^(1/years) − 1) × 100
Worked example
- Invest 1000, now 1500, 3 years → ROI 50%, CAGR ≈ 14.5%
Assumptions
- This is a simple two-point calculation: it assumes a single initial investment and a single final value, with no additional contributions or withdrawals in between.
- Fees, taxes, and dividends or other distributions aren't factored in unless you've already added them into the final value.
- CAGR is only calculated when you enter a holding period greater than zero; otherwise you'll see total ROI alone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ROI and CAGR?
ROI is the total percentage return over the whole period. CAGR is the equivalent smooth annual rate, which lets you compare investments held for different lengths of time.
Is the holding period required?
No. Leave it blank (or zero) for total ROI only; add years to also see the annualized return.
Does this account for money added or withdrawn partway through the investment?
No. The calculator assumes one lump-sum initial investment and one final value, so it can't reflect a cash-weighted return if you contributed or withdrew funds along the way.
Should dividends or distributions be included in the final value?
Yes, if you want a total-return figure. Add any dividends, interest, or distributions you received (and didn't already reinvest) to the final value before entering it.
What does a negative ROI mean?
A negative ROI means the final value is lower than what you invested — you have a loss. CAGR will also be negative, showing the average annual rate at which the investment declined.
Privacy
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Disclaimer: ROI and CAGR describe past results and ignore taxes, fees, and cash flows. They do not predict future returns.