Investment Return Calculator
Enter a starting value and ending value to calculate absolute profit or loss, percentage return, and the ending-value multiple. This is country-neutral arithmetic and does not include fees, taxes, exchange rates, inflation, dividends, cash flows, or time-weighting.
Use the investment return calculator to compare a starting value with an ending value and calculate the absolute profit or loss, percentage return, and ending-value multiple. It is designed for simple point-to-point comparisons such as checking how much a position, portfolio, account balance, or hypothetical investment changed between two values. The arithmetic is independent of country and currency as long as the starting and ending values use the same currency and the same valuation basis.
How to use the investment return calculator
- Enter the starting value of the investment, position, or portfolio.
- Enter the ending value using the same currency and valuation basis.
- Review the profit or loss amount, percentage return, and ending-value multiple.
- For another scenario, replace either value and calculate again.
How profit, return percentage, and value multiple are calculated
Profit or loss equals ending value − starting value. A positive result is a gain and a negative result is a loss.
Percentage return equals (ending value − starting value) ÷ starting value × 100. For example, a change from 1,000 to 1,250 is a gain of 250 and a simple return of 25%.
Ending-value multiple equals ending value ÷ starting value. A multiple of 1.25× means the ending value is 125% of the starting value. A value of 0.8× means it is 80% of the starting value.
This is a simple point-to-point return. It does not automatically include dividends, interest, fees, taxes, exchange-rate effects, inflation, deposits, withdrawals, or the time elapsed. If cash flows occur during the period, a simple start-versus-end calculation may not represent investment performance accurately.
The result is not annualized. A 10% gain over one month and a 10% gain over three years both display as 10% because this calculator does not use a time factor. CAGR, money-weighted return, and time-weighted return require different formulas.
Privacy, limitations, and investment notice
All values are processed locally in your browser. The calculator provides reference arithmetic only and does not predict future performance or provide investment advice. Make sure the starting and ending values are measured on the same basis. If you are evaluating real investment performance, consider cash flows, dividends, distributions, fees, taxes, exchange rates, and holding period when relevant. Past return calculations do not indicate what an investment will earn in the future.
Investment return calculator FAQ
What is simple investment return?
It is the percentage change from a starting value to an ending value, without adjusting for time or intermediate cash flows.
Can I calculate a loss?
Yes. If the ending value is below the starting value, the tool shows a negative profit/loss and negative return.
Can the ending value be zero?
Yes. That represents a 100% loss relative to a positive starting value.
Can I use won, dollars, yen, euros, or another currency?
Yes. Use the same currency for both values.
Does it include dividends or interest?
No. If they should be part of your comparison, include them consistently in the ending-value basis yourself.
Does it include fees or taxes?
No.
Does it handle deposits and withdrawals?
No. Intermediate cash flows can make simple return misleading.
Is this ROI?
It is a simple percentage return based on starting and ending value. Some uses of ROI define costs and benefits differently, so check the definition needed for your situation.
Is this an annualized return or CAGR calculator?
No. Time is not part of the formula.
Can I compare two investments with different holding periods?
You can calculate each simple return, but comparing them fairly may require an annualized measure.
Are my investment values uploaded?
No. They stay in your browser.