Return Rate / CAGR Calculator

Use this CAGR calculator to estimate the annualized growth rate of an investment, account balance, revenue figure, or other measurable value over time.

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Results

CAGR
8.15%
Total return
60.00%
Total gain/loss
$3,000.00

Formula

CAGR = (Ending / Beginning)^(1/Years) − 1

How to calculate

  1. Divide the ending value by the beginning value.
  2. Raise the result to the power of 1 divided by the number of years.
  3. Subtract 1.
  4. Convert the answer into a percentage.

Worked example

From $5,000 to $8,000 in 6 years: CAGR = (8,000/5,000)^(1/6) − 1 ≈ 8.15%.

Frequently asked questions

What is CAGR?

CAGR is the annual growth rate that links a beginning value to an ending value over time.

How is CAGR different from average annual return?

Average annual return can ignore compounding, while CAGR reflects compounded growth.

Can CAGR be negative?

Yes. If the ending value is lower than the beginning value, CAGR will be negative.

Is CAGR useful for comparing investments?

Yes. It is often used to compare investments over different time periods.

Related calculators

CAGR smooths growth into a constant annual rate and does not reflect volatility or yearly fluctuations.