Average Return Calculator

Enter starting balance, ending balance, and dated deposits or withdrawals. The calculator solves for the average annual return that connects your cash flows...

Modify the values and click the Calculate button to use.
Results

Enter values and click Calculate.

Schedule

Introduction

Enter starting balance, ending balance, and dated deposits or withdrawals. The calculator solves for the average annual return that connects your cash flows to the ending value—similar to XIRR for a single account.

Money-Weighted Average Return

Enter starting balance, ending balance, and dated deposits or withdrawals. The calculator solves for the average annual return that connects your cash flows to the ending value—similar to XIRR for a single account.

Why Timing Matters

Adding money just before a rally inflates your personal return versus a buy-and-hold benchmark. Money-weighted return reflects your experience, including contribution timing.

Multiple Periods Mode

Enter several investment windows with total return percentages and holding lengths. We compute geometric average annual return and cumulative return across periods—useful when reviewing fund performance by calendar year.

Average vs IRR

For a single account with irregular flows, results align closely with IRR. For project finance with multiple sign changes, use the dedicated IRR Calculator.

How It Works

  1. Enter your amounts, rates, and term in the form. Use the same units shown in the labels (dollars, years, percent).
  2. Click Calculate to run the Average Return Calculator engine. Invalid or empty required fields show a clear error message.
  3. Review the summary cards for the key outputs. Expand schedules or tables when available for period-by-period detail.
  4. Copy, print, or share your scenario link. Reset the form anytime to start a fresh comparison.

Formula

Cash-flow mode solves for the money-weighted annual return r where sum of cash flows CF_t discounted by (1+r)^t equals zero (XIRR). Multiple-returns mode uses geometric mean of period annualized returns and cumulative return as product of (1 + r_i) minus 1.

FAQ

Yes. CDCalculator.io provides the Average Return Calculator at no charge for personal and educational use. Results are estimates and not financial advice.

The tool uses standard formulas lenders and planners use in spreadsheets. Your bank may round differently or include fees not modeled here.

Use the Copy Results and Print buttons on the calculator panel after you run a scenario. You can also share the page link with colleagues.

Focus on realistic rates, terms, and any extra payments or contributions. Small changes in APR or time horizon often move outcomes more than rounding.

No. Use this calculator to explore scenarios, then consult a qualified advisor or lender for decisions about investment products.