Rate of Return Calculator

Calculate the rate of return on your investments with our free online calculator. Measure your investment performance using absolute returns, CAGR, and annualized returns.

CAGR (Annualized Return)
14.47%
Absolute Return
50.00%
Total Gain/Loss
₹50,000
Simple Annual Return
16.67%
Average yearly return (non-compounded)

Investment Growth Visualization

Return Comparison

If invested in FD (6%)
₹1,19,102
Your investment earned ₹30,898 more
If invested in Nifty 50 (12%)
₹1,40,493
Your investment earned ₹9,507 more
If kept in Savings A/c (3.5%)
₹1,10,872
Your investment earned ₹39,128 more

Key Features

Calculate absolute returns
CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate)
Annualized returns calculation
Support for dividends and distributions
Multi-period return analysis
Compare investment performance

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the initial investment amount
Input the final value or current value
Set the investment period
Add any dividends received (optional)
Click "Calculate" to see returns

Understanding Rate of Return


The Rate of Return Calculator helps you measure how well your investments have performed over time. Understanding your returns is essential for evaluating investment decisions and comparing different opportunities.

Absolute return is the simplest measure: (Final Value - Initial Value) / Initial Value × 100. If you invested ₹10,000 and it grew to ₹15,000, your absolute return is 50%. However, this doesn't account for the time period.

CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) is a more meaningful measure for comparing investments over different time periods. It shows the constant annual rate of return that would result in the final value. The formula is: CAGR = (Final Value / Initial Value)^(1/years) - 1.

Annualized returns convert returns from any period to an equivalent annual rate, making it easier to compare investments. A 50% return over 5 years is very different from 50% in 1 year - annualized returns make this clear.

When calculating total returns, include dividends and other distributions. Many investments generate income that significantly contributes to total returns but is often overlooked when looking only at price appreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CAGR?
CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) is the constant annual rate of return that would result in an investment growing from its initial to final value over a specified period. It smooths out volatility.
How is CAGR different from average returns?
Average returns simply average annual returns, while CAGR accounts for compounding. CAGR gives a more accurate picture of actual growth rate over time.
Should I include dividends in my return calculation?
Yes, total returns should include both capital appreciation and income (dividends, interest, distributions). This gives a complete picture of investment performance.
What is a good rate of return?
A "good" return depends on the investment type and risk. Equity markets historically return 10-12% annually, bonds 5-7%, while savings accounts may offer 3-4%.
How do I compare investments with different holding periods?
Use annualized returns or CAGR to standardize returns to a yearly basis. This allows fair comparison between investments held for different durations.