ROI Calculator
Measure return on investment from initial cost and final value — gain, ROI percent, and multiple.
Inputs
Result
Visual breakdown
Formula
Gain = final − initial. ROI % = gain ÷ |initial| × 100. Multiple = final ÷ initial. This is a simple, period-agnostic ROI — for annualized returns over time, use the Investment Return calculator.
Example
$1,000 invested, $1,500 returned → gain $500, ROI 50%, 1.5×.
Related: Investment return (CAGR) · Profit margin · Break-even
How to use
- Include all costs in the initial figure (fees, setup, time-as-money if relevant).
- Use final value at the same point in time for a fair comparison.
- For multi-year returns, use the Investment Return calculator for CAGR.
When it's useful
- Comparing one-shot investments or projects.
- Reviewing a marketing campaign's return.
- Sanity-checking a business decision.
Common examples
Frequently asked
Is this the same as annualized return?
No — this is total ROI over the period. Use the Investment Return calculator for annualized (CAGR).
How is ROI different from profit margin?
ROI compares gain to cost invested; margin compares profit to revenue. Different denominators.
What if my investment lost money?
ROI goes negative. A 1.0× multiple means break-even.
Does this account for taxes or inflation?
No. Use after-tax inputs for after-tax ROI; subtract inflation for a real return.
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More money & work →Educational only — not financial advice.