Real Estate Cap Rate Calculator
Professional Property Yield Analysis
How to Use the Real Estate Cap Rate Calculator Excel Formula
The Capitalization Rate (Cap Rate) is the most critical metric used by real estate investors to evaluate the profitability and return potential of an income-generating property. This calculator mirrors the logic found in advanced Excel templates used by institutional investors.
The Mathematical Formula
To calculate the Cap Rate manually or in Excel, use this sequence:
- Gross Operating Income: Gross Annual Rent – (Gross Annual Rent × Vacancy Rate)
- Net Operating Income (NOI): Gross Operating Income – Annual Operating Expenses
- Cap Rate: (NOI / Property Value) × 100
Real-World Example
Imagine you are looking at a multi-family property with the following profile:
- Property Value: $1,000,000
- Gross Rent: $120,000 / year
- Vacancy Rate: 5% ($6,000)
- Operating Expenses: $34,000 (Taxes, Insurance, Maintenance)
Step 1: Calculate NOI. $120,000 – $6,000 – $34,000 = $80,000.
Step 2: Divide NOI by Value. $80,000 / $1,000,000 = 0.08.
Step 3: Result is an 8% Cap Rate.
What is a "Good" Cap Rate?
Cap rates vary significantly by asset class and location. Generally, a lower cap rate (4-5%) indicates a lower-risk property in a high-demand "gateway" city like New York or London. A higher cap rate (8-10%) often indicates a higher-risk investment or a property in a secondary market with less appreciation potential but higher immediate cash flow.