Return on Investment (ROI) Calculator
Determine the profitability and efficiency of an investment with our accurate ROI calculator. Get total return percentages and annualized figures instantly.
Investment Results
Understanding Return on Investment (ROI)
Return on Investment (ROI) is a universally used financial metric that evaluates the efficiency or profitability of an investment. It measures the return of an investment relative to the investment's cost. ROI is crucial for business owners, investors, and marketers to determine where to allocate resources for the best financial outcomes.
Whether you are evaluating a stock purchase, a real estate deal, a marketing campaign, or new business equipment, calculating ROI helps answer the fundamental question: "Is this worth the money?"
How the ROI Formula Works
The basic formula for calculating ROI is relatively straightforward. It is calculated by subtracting the initial cost of the investment from its final value, then dividing this new number (the net profit or loss) by the cost of the investment, and finally multiplying by 100 to get a percentage.
ROI = [(Final Value – Initial Investment) / Initial Investment] * 100
A positive ROI percentage indicates that the investment gained value, while a negative percentage indicates a loss.
Total ROI vs. Annualized ROI
Our calculator provides two distinct metrics:
- Total ROI: This is the total percentage return over the entire life of the investment, regardless of how long it took to achieve that return.
- Annualized ROI: This metric is critical for comparing investments held for different periods. It calculates the average geometric yearly rate of return. For example, a 50% total return over 5 years is very different from a 50% total return over 1 year. Annualized ROI standardizes this comparison.
Example Calculation
Let's look at a realistic scenario. Imagine you purchase a fixer-upper property as a real estate investment.
- Initial Investment: You buy the property and spend money on renovations for a total cost of $150,000.
- Investment Duration: You hold the property for 3 years while renting it out and waiting for market appreciation.
- Final Value: After 3 years, you sell the property for $210,000.
Using the calculator above:
- Your **Total Profit** is $210,000 – $150,000 = $60,000.
- Your **Total ROI** is ($60,000 / $150,000) * 100 = 40.00%.
- Your **Annualized ROI** over the 3 years is approximately 11.87% per year.
Why Calculating ROI Matters
Consistently calculating ROI allows for data-driven decision-making. It moves investment strategies away from guesswork and towards quantifiable results. By understanding both total and annualized returns, investors can better understand not just how much money they made, but how efficiently their capital worked for them over time.