Cap Rate Calculator
Calculation Results
Net Operating Income (NOI): $0.00
Capitalization Rate: 0.00%
Understanding the Cap Rate Calculation
The Capitalization Rate (Cap Rate) is a fundamental metric used in real estate to assess the potential return on a property investment. It represents the ratio between the Net Operating Income (NOI) produced by an asset and its original cost or current market value.
The Cap Rate Formula
Cap Rate = (Net Operating Income / Current Market Value) × 100
How to Calculate Cap Rate in Excel
If you prefer to manage your real estate portfolio in a spreadsheet, calculating the cap rate in Excel is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Input Data: In cell A1, enter the Property Value (e.g., 500000). In cell A2, enter the Gross Rental Income (e.g., 60000). In cell A3, enter the Total Operating Expenses (e.g., 15000).
- Calculate NOI: In cell A4, enter the formula
=A2-A3. This gives you the Net Operating Income. - Calculate Cap Rate: In cell A5, enter the formula
=A4/A1. - Format: Select cell A5 and click the percent (%) button in the Excel toolbar to display the result as a percentage.
A Practical Example
Imagine you are looking at a multi-family property listed for $1,200,000. The annual rent collected is $120,000. After accounting for property taxes, insurance, and repairs, the annual expenses total $30,000.
- Gross Income: $120,000
- Expenses: $30,000
- NOI: $90,000 ($120,000 – $30,000)
- Cap Rate: 7.5% ($90,000 / $1,200,000)
Why Cap Rate Matters
Cap rate allows investors to compare different properties without the variable of financing (mortgages). A higher cap rate generally indicates a higher potential return, but often comes with higher risk. A lower cap rate usually signifies a "safer" investment in a high-demand area with lower risk but slower immediate cash flow.
Note: Cap rate does not include mortgage interest payments or capital expenditures. It focuses strictly on the operations of the asset itself.