Investment Return Calculator
Calculate profit, absolute return and annualized CAGR between two dates.
CAGR smooths the return over time and does not represent year-by-year performance.
How to calculate investment return and CAGR
- Enter the amounts. Add the initial investment and final value.
- Set the dates. Choose the start and end dates.
- Review the results. See profit or loss, absolute return, holding period and CAGR.
What happens to your data
The calculation runs entirely in your browser using standard return formulas — your investment figures are never sent to a server.
What this calculator supports
Common reasons to use this calculator
- Check the actual annualized return of an investment held for several years.
- Compare two investments with different holding periods on equal footing via CAGR.
- Calculate straightforward profit or loss on a single investment.
- Verify a return figure quoted by an advisor or platform.
Frequently asked questions
Is my data uploaded anywhere?
No — the calculation runs entirely in your browser.
What is CAGR and why does it matter?
Compound Annual Growth Rate is a smoothed annual rate that lets you compare investments held for different lengths of time on equal footing — though it doesn't show year-by-year volatility or cash flows.
Does it account for additional contributions or withdrawals?
No — it calculates a simple return between one initial amount and one final value; it isn't designed for multiple cash flows over time.
What does "holding period" mean here?
The date-aware duration between your start and end dates, used to annualize the return into CAGR.
Can I use this for a loss, not just a gain?
Yes — a final value lower than the initial investment shows as a loss and a negative return.
Last reviewed: August 2026