Average Return Calculator

Use this free average return calculator to estimate net gain, cumulative return, average annual return, and CAGR from beginning value, ending value, time, contributions, and withdrawals.

All tools

Formula steps Estimate limits shown Examples included Private history

Beginning value ($)Ending value ($)Time (years)Additional contributions ($)Withdrawals ($)

Average annual return6.6666666667%

$10,000 to $16,000 over 5 years

Cumulative return: 33.3333333333%
CAGR estimate: 9.8560543306%
Net gain: $4,000.00
Contributions adjusted: $2,000.00

This is not a time-weighted or money-weighted return and does not include taxes, fees, or risk.

Formula steps

Add withdrawals back to ending value, then subtract beginning value and contributions.
Divide net gain by beginning value plus contributions for cumulative return.
Divide cumulative return by years for simple average annual return.
Also show CAGR from beginning value to ending value for a growth-rate comparison.

How to use the average return calculator

Enter the requested dollar amounts, rates, terms, tax settings, or contribution details.
Use rates as percentages, such as 6.5 for 6.5%, and check whether a field asks for a monthly or annual amount.
Press the calculate button to see the answer, supporting metrics, and formula steps.
Use the result as a planning estimate only, then copy it if the assumptions look right.

Common uses

Estimate average annual return from a beginning and ending value.

Adjust a simple return for extra contributions or withdrawals.

Compare simple average return with CAGR.

Check rough investment performance without saving personal data.

Examples

Five-year return $10,000 to $16,000 over 5 years with $2,000 added

Average annual return and CAGR

With withdrawals $25,000 to $31,000 with $1,500 withdrawn

Adjusted net gain

No contributions $8,000 to $12,000 over 3 years

Simple growth return

Frequently asked questions

Plain-language answers about when to use the estimate, what your numbers mean, what is left out, and how privacy works.

When should I use the Average Return Calculator?

Use it for early planning and side-by-side comparisons, especially for tasks like these: Estimate average annual return from a beginning and ending value. Adjust a simple return for extra contributions or withdrawals. Treat the answer as a planning estimate, not a final quote.

What is the Average Return Calculator doing with my numbers?

In plain language: The calculator adjusts ending value for withdrawals and contributions, divides net gain by invested base for cumulative return, then divides by years for average annual return. If the result seems too high or too low, first check whether each field expects a monthly amount, annual amount, dollar value, or percent.

What does this estimate leave out?

This is not a full performance report. It does not calculate time-weighted return, internal rate of return, taxes, fees, volatility, or investment suitability. Real finance decisions can also depend on fees, timing, local rules, credit details, and provider-specific terms.

Does the site save my finance inputs?

No. The calculator runs in your browser tab. Recent answers stay only on the page while you use it, and they are not sent to a server.