Investment performance

ROI Calculator

Measure total gain or loss as a percentage of initial cost and estimate an annualized return over the holding period.

Enter dividends, interest, rent or other cash distributions as income. Include fees and taxes in the cost or proceeds when appropriate.

What ROI can—and cannot—show

ROI summarizes gain or loss relative to cost. Annualized return makes holding periods easier to compare, but neither measure describes volatility, liquidity, taxes or the risk taken to earn the result.

Build a complete comparison

  • Include purchase, transaction, maintenance and selling costs
  • Add cash income received during the holding period
  • Compare investments across the same time period
  • Review risk and cash-flow timing alongside the percentage return
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ROI calculator questions

What is a good ROI?

There is no universal target. A return should be evaluated against its time period, risk, liquidity, taxes, fees and realistic alternatives.

Why annualize a return?

Annualizing converts a multi-year result into an equivalent yearly rate, making different holding periods easier to compare.

Educational calculation only; not investment, tax or financial advice.