CAGR Calculator

Enter start value, end value, and number of years to get the compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Useful for comparing returns across different time periods. Results update instantly.

Runs in your browser. No sign-up. No data sent to any server.

How to use

Enter the starting value (e.g. portfolio or investment at the beginning), ending value, and number of years. You can use decimal years (e.g. 2.5). The calculator shows the CAGR as a percentage — the constant annual rate that would grow the start value to the end value over that period.

Use decimals (e.g. 2.5 for 2½ years).

CAGR

Annualized return

Total return
Growth multiple

CAGR assumes smooth compounding. Actual returns vary year to year.

What is CAGR?

CAGR (compound annual growth rate) is the hypothetical constant annual rate at which an investment would have to grow to go from the start value to the end value over the given period. It smooths out volatility and makes it easier to compare returns over different time lengths. Formula: CAGR = (End ÷ Start)^(1 ÷ Years) − 1, expressed as a percentage.

Example: Start $10,000, End $15,000, 5 years → CAGR ≈ 8.45%. That doesn't mean the investment grew exactly 8.45% each year; it means the equivalent constant annual rate over the period.

This tool is for education and planning only. Not investment advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is CAGR used for?
CAGR is used to compare performance across different investments or time periods on an equal footing. It answers: "What constant annual return would have produced this result?"
Can I use decimal years?
Yes. Enter 2.5 for 2 years and 6 months, or 0.5 for 6 months. The formula works for any positive period.
What if my investment lost value?
If end value is less than start value, CAGR will be negative. That's the annualized loss rate. If you lost everything (end = 0), CAGR is −100%.