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Investment Return and CAGR Calculator

Enter an investment’s beginning value, ending value, and holding period to calculate total return and compound annual growth rate (CAGR). CAGR is a smoothed annual rate that connects the two endpoint values.

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Change the example values to model your own scenario. Calculations run in this browser.

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Results

Calculate total return and compound annual growth rate from beginning value, ending value, and elapsed years.

Compound annual growth rate10%
Total return21%

CAGR connects the start and end values at a smoothed annual rate. It does not show the path between them.

Beginning and ending investment values

Each point uses the inputs above. Read the labeled units and series together; the table below gives the exact values.

  • Investment value
Beginning and ending investment valuesUSD$0$3,025$6,050$9,075$12kStart · Investment value: $10,000.002 years · Investment value: $12,100.00Start2 yearsPoint in time

Tab through points for exact values, or open the data table. The chart resizes to fit the available width.

Open data table (2 points)
Beginning and ending investment values · USD by Point in time
Point in timeInvestment value
Start$10,000.00
2 years$12,100.00
View 5 rows of calculator details

Values use the assumptions entered above.

Investment return calculation
MeasureValue
Beginning value$10,000.00
Ending value$12,100.00
Holding period2 years
Total return21%
CAGR10%

How to use this calculator

Enter an investment’s beginning value, ending value, and holding period to calculate total return and compound annual growth rate (CAGR). CAGR is a smoothed annual rate that connects the two endpoint values.

How the calculation works

Total return = (ending value ÷ beginning value − 1) × 100. CAGR = ((ending value ÷ beginning value)^(1 ÷ years) − 1) × 100.

Worked example

A value that rises from $10,000 to $12,100 over two years has a 21% total return and a 10% CAGR, assuming there were no additional deposits or withdrawals.

Assumptions and limitations

CAGR uses only beginning value, ending value, and elapsed time. If you added or withdrew money during the period, this endpoint formula does not calculate money-weighted IRR or time-weighted return. It also excludes taxes and fees.

Official sources and further reading

Frequently asked questions

Is CAGR the return earned every year?

No. It is the constant annual rate that mathematically connects the start and end values. Actual year-by-year returns may differ.

Can I use CAGR if I added money later?

Not as a measure of the cash-flow-adjusted return. Use a method that accounts for the dates and amounts of those cash flows.

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Educational scenario only. This calculator does not provide individualized investment, tax, or legal advice. Confirm transaction records, tax treatment, and investment terms with the relevant official documents or qualified professionals.