ROI Calculator (Return on Investment)
Calculate return on investment from what you put in and got back, including income and fees, plus the annualized return over the holding period.
Return on investment (ROI) measures how much an investment gained or lost compared with what it cost. This ROI calculator handles stocks, property, a business project or a marketing campaign: enter what you put in and what you got back, include any income and fees, and add the holding period to see the annualized return, which makes investments held for different lengths of time comparable.
How to use this tool
- Enter the amount you invested.
- Enter what the investment sold for or is worth now.
- Add any income it paid and any fees or costs (optional).
- Enter how long you held it to get the annualized ROI.
Formula
ROI = (Final value + Income − Invested − Fees) ÷ (Invested + Fees) × 100
Annualized ROI (%) = (((Final value + Income) ÷ (Invested + Fees))^(1 ÷ years) − 1) × 100
Fees are treated as part of the cost of the investment. The annualized figure is a compound annual growth rate (CAGR); it assumes income was received at the end, which slightly understates the return when income arrives early.
Example
You invest $10,000 and sell three years later for $14,500. The profit is $4,500, so ROI = 4,500 ÷ 10,000 = 45%. Spread over three years, the annualized ROI is 1.45^(1/3) − 1 = 13.19% a year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ROI and annualized ROI?
ROI is the total gain over the whole period. Annualized ROI spreads it into an equivalent yearly compound rate. A 50% ROI is excellent over two years (22.5% a year) but modest over ten (4.1% a year).
Can ROI be negative?
Yes. If you got back less than the total cost, ROI is negative; -100% means the whole investment was lost.
Does this handle money added over time?
No — it assumes one investment at the start. For regular contributions, use an internal rate of return (IRR) or the investment return calculator.
This tool gives an estimate for general information only. It is not financial, tax, legal or medical advice — check with a qualified professional before you rely on the result.
Last updated: 2026-10-30