Investment Return Calculator - Calculate Your Investment Returns
Free online investment return calculator to see how much your investments would be worth over time.
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How to Calculate Investment Returns - Step by Step Guide
Enter Your Investment Details
Start by entering your initial investment amount and the time period you want to analyze. This calculator helps you answer questions like "What if I invested $10,000 in the S&P 500 5 years ago?"
Example Scenario
Michael invested $10,000 in an S&P 500 index fund on January 1, 2019. He wants to know how much it's worth now.
Set Your Expected Return Rate
Enter the average annual return rate for your investment. The calculator provides quick presets for common investment types, or you can enter a custom rate.
Historical Average Returns
View Your Investment Performance
Instantly see how your investment would have performed with detailed metrics and year-by-year breakdown.
Michael's Results (5 Years at 12% Annual Return)
Michael's $10,000 grew to over $17,600 in 5 years - that's a 76% return!
Export and Analyze Your Results
Save your calculation results for future reference, comparison, or sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Investment Returns
How do I calculate investment returns?
Investment returns are calculated using the formula: Return = (Ending Value - Starting Value) / Starting Value × 100%. For annualized returns (CAGR), use: [(Ending Value / Starting Value)^(1/Years) - 1] × 100%. Our calculator handles all this automatically, including monthly contributions.
What is a good investment return rate?
The S&P 500 has averaged about 10% annually over the long term, making it a common benchmark. However, "good" returns depend on your risk tolerance and investment type. Conservative portfolios might target 5-7%, while aggressive stock portfolios might aim for 10-12% or higher. Remember that higher returns typically come with higher risk.
What if I invested $10,000 in the S&P 500 5 years ago?
A $10,000 investment in the S&P 500 five years ago would typically be worth around $15,000-$20,000 today, depending on the exact dates (assuming 10-15% average annual return). Use the calculator above with your specific start and end dates to get precise results based on historical market performance.
How accurate is this investment return calculator?
This calculator provides accurate projections based on the return rates you enter. However, actual investment returns vary due to market volatility, timing, fees, taxes, and other factors. Use it for planning and estimation, but remember that past performance doesn't guarantee future results. For actual historical stock data, you would need real-time market information.
What's the difference between total return and annualized return?
Total return is the overall percentage gain over the entire period (e.g., 80% over 5 years). Annualized return (CAGR) is the average yearly growth rate that would produce the same total return (e.g., 12.5% per year). Annualized return is more useful for comparing investments held for different time periods.
Can I include monthly contributions in my calculation?
Yes! Toggle on "Monthly Contributions" in the calculator to include regular investments. This is perfect for calculating returns on 401k accounts, IRAs, or any investment where you make recurring contributions. The calculator accounts for each contribution growing over time with compound returns.
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