Return Calculator
Enter starting value, ending value and holding period to get the annualized return (CAGR), total return, gain or loss and the doubling time.
Annual return (CAGR)
12.47% p.a.
Total return
80.00%
Absolute gain
€8,000.00
Doubling time
5.8 years
| Year | Value | Annual increase |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | €10,000.00 | - |
| 1 | €11,247.46 | €1,247.46 |
| 2 | €12,650.54 | €1,403.08 |
| 3 | €14,228.64 | €1,578.11 |
| 4 | €16,003.61 | €1,774.97 |
| 5 | €18,000.00 | €1,996.39 |
CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) indicates the average annual growth rate that would lead to the same final result under steady growth.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between nominal and real return?
Nominal return is the percentage gain before accounting for inflation. Real return subtracts inflation, showing the actual increase in purchasing power. With 6% nominal return and 2% inflation, the real return is approximately 4%.
How do I calculate the total return on an investment?
Total return includes price gains plus dividends or interest, minus all costs and taxes. The annualized return (CAGR) allows comparison of investments over different time periods.
Are my entered amounts stored anywhere?
No. All calculations happen exclusively in your browser. Your inputs are never sent to our server or stored. You can safely enter sensitive financial data.
Guide
What is the Return Calculator?
The return calculator determines the annual return (effective rate) of an investment from the initial outlay, final amount, term and distributions.
How does the Return Calculator work?
Enter the starting value, ending value and holding period. The calculator computes the compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Regular contributions or withdrawals are handled via the internal rate of return (IRR).
Key Data and Facts
CAGR formula: (end value / start value)^(1/years) - 1. Real return = nominal return minus inflation. After-tax return considers 26.375% flat-rate tax.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to calculate the return on your investment step by step: 1. Enter the initial investment: the amount you invested at the start. 2. Enter the final value: the current value or sale proceeds of your investment. 3. Specify the holding period: the number of years (and any months) between purchase and sale. 4. Account for distributions: dividends, interest or other income received during the holding period. 5. Calculate the CAGR: annual return = (final value / initial value)^(1/years) - 1. 6. Real return: nominal return minus the inflation rate gives the purchasing-power-adjusted return. 7. After-tax return: deduct profit x 26.375 % capital gains tax (after the saver's allowance). Example: purchase of a share for 5,000 EUR five years ago, current value 7,500 EUR, dividends received 400 EUR. Total return: 7,500 + 400 - 5,000 = 2,900 EUR. CAGR: (7,900 / 5,000)^(1/5) - 1 = 9.6 % p.a. Real return (less 2.2 % inflation): approx. 7.4 % p.a. Tax on the 2,900 EUR gain (less the 1,000 EUR allowance): 501 EUR.
Calculation Example
Share purchase of 5,000 EUR, after 5 years: value 7,500 EUR + 400 EUR dividends. Total return: 2,900 EUR. CAGR: 9.6 % p. a. Tax (after the tax-free allowance): 501 EUR. Net return: 2,399 EUR.
Sources
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
- Deutsche Bundesbank
- Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin)
- Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis)
Full methodology at Methodology.
Reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Last updated:
Finance
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