Formula used
How to use the Investment Return Calculator
- Enter how much you originally invested.
- Add any recurring monthly contribution.
- Set the holding period in years.
- Enter the current market value of the position.
- Compare ROI, CAGR and the multiple against your benchmark.
About this tool
The Investment Return Calculator is built for speed and accuracy: every calculation runs in your browser, so your data never leaves your device and the result updates as you type. It works equally well on a phone, a tablet or a desktop, and it is free to use as many times as you like.
Common use cases
- Measuring a brokerage portfolio against the S&P 500.
- Calculating the return on a rental property after holding costs.
- Comparing a fund held 3 years with one held 10 years.
- Checking whether fees are eating your annualized return.
Tips for the best result
- Use the latest figures you have - even a small change in rate or term can shift the outcome by hundreds.
- For annual figures, divide by 12 to get a monthly number you can compare with the result.
- Bookmark this page and revisit the calculation as the inputs change.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ROI and CAGR?
ROI is the simple percentage gain over the whole period. CAGR is the constant annual rate that would produce the same result, which makes it the fairer way to compare investments held for different lengths of time.
Are dividends included?
Only if you include them in the current value field. Add reinvested dividends to the ending value for a true total return.
Why is my CAGR lower than the fund's published return?
Fund returns assume a lump sum invested at the start. If you contributed gradually, later money had less time to grow, so your personal money-weighted return is usually lower.