Measure total and annualized investment performance. Enter your details below to get an immediate estimate and review exactly how it is calculated.
Investment gain
$5,000.00
Total return
50%
Annualized return
8.45%
Total return compares gain with the initial value; annualized return uses compound annual growth.
Formula investment-return, version 1.0.0| Year | Investment gain | Total return | Annualized return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5,000.00 | 50% | 50% |
| 2 | $5,000.00 | 50% | 22.47% |
| 3 | $5,000.00 | 50% | 14.47% |
| 4 | $5,000.00 | 50% | 10.67% |
| 5 | $5,000.00 | 50% | 8.45% |
A change of $750.00 changes investment gain by $750.00.
| Final value | +$750.00 |
|---|---|
| Initial value | −$500.00 |
| Holding period | +$0.00 |
Use the headline result as a planning range, then compare a second scenario. Time, rates, contributions, fees, tax and inflation can all change the real outcome.
Total return compares gain with the initial value; annualized return uses compound annual growth.
Calculateinvestment returnFormula version 1.0.0. Growing $10,000 to $15,000 over five years produces a 50% total return.
Review the source and method →Reviewed 2026-07-28 by CalculateBetter editorial team.Growing $10,000 to $15,000 over five years produces a 50% total return.
This calculator provides an educational estimate. Real-world outcomes can vary when circumstances or inputs change.
HOW TO USE IT
Start with the figures you know today, then change one assumption at a time. This makes it easy to see which input has the greatest effect on the result.
Use realistic values first, then create a second scenario for the best- or worst-case outcome. Compare the difference before relying on a single estimate.
THE MATH BEHIND IT
Total return compares gain with the initial value; annualized return uses compound annual growth.
Growing $10,000 to $15,000 over five years produces a 50% total return.Growing $10,000 to $15,000 over five years produces a 50% total return.
How to read the result: The headline value is an estimate based on constant inputs. Real-world rates, fees, taxes, payment timing, and rounding can change the final amount.
BUILT FOR CLARITY
Keep Scenario A and Scenario B visible so rate, term, and contribution changes are easy to compare.
See how the estimate changes over time, with a detailed breakdown when the calculation supports it.
Copy a shareable link or download your calculation as CSV or PDF.
The result follows the formula and assumptions shown on this page. It is an estimate, so actual outcomes may differ when rates, fees, taxes, or personal circumstances change.
Yes. Copy the calculation link to preserve the entered values, save it on this device, or export the result as CSV or PDF.
Start with values that reflect your circumstances today. If an input is uncertain, calculate a conservative and an optimistic scenario so the result becomes a useful planning range.
Only the inputs, formula and assumptions listed on this page are included. External costs, changing conditions, personal eligibility rules and professional judgment may affect a real-world outcome.
Reviewed for clarityReviewed by CalculateBetter editorial team
Updated 2026-07-28
Transparent sourcesU.S. SEC — Compound Interest Calculator
Formula version 1.0.0
ImportantFor planning and educational use. It does not replace professional advice.
Your privacy mattersYour figures stay in your browser and are not submitted to CalculateBetter.
Disclaimer: Calculations are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional financial advice. Please consult with a certified professional before making financial decisions.