Investment

Average Return Calculator

Calculate the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of an investment given its beginning value, ending value, and holding period.

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Adjust any field and recalculate — figures are pre-filled with a typical example.

$
$
yrs
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How it works

Formula & explanation

Average Return Calculator uses the following calculation:

CAGR = (End/Begin)1/years − 1

This is a simplified model intended for planning and education. Real-world offers from lenders, institutions, or tax authorities may include additional fees, rules, or adjustments not reflected here.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Why use CAGR instead of average yearly return?

CAGR accounts for compounding and smooths out volatility, giving a more accurate picture of growth than a simple average of yearly percentage changes.

Does CAGR reflect the ride along the way?

No — it only reflects the beginning and ending values, so two investments with the same CAGR can have very different volatility.

Is CAGR the same as annualized return?

Yes, they refer to the same concept: the constant rate that would produce the same growth over the period.

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