ROI Calculator
Calculate return on investment as a percentage of what you put in.
Was it worth it?
Return on investment measures the gain or loss from an investment as a percentage of its cost, so you can judge whether it paid off and compare very different investments on the same scale. This works it out from the amount invested and the amount returned.
Enter what you put in and what you got back to see the ROI.
What ROI leaves out
ROI is a simple, powerful comparison, but its simplicity hides two things worth remembering. First, it ignores time — a 50% return is excellent in a year and mediocre over a decade, yet basic ROI treats them the same, which is why time-aware measures like annualised return exist for longer horizons. Second, it ignores risk — a high potential ROI often comes with a high chance of loss, and the percentage alone says nothing about that. So ROI is a good first comparison, especially for short, comparable investments, but for anything spanning years or differing in risk, it is a starting point rather than the whole story. This is a calculation, not investment advice.
Questions & answers
What does ROI measure?
The gain or loss from an investment as a percentage of its cost, letting you compare very different investments on one scale.
What does ROI ignore?
Time and risk — a 50% return is very different over one year versus ten, and ROI says nothing about the chance of loss. Use time-aware measures for long horizons.
Is this investment advice?
No — it is a calculation. Comparing investments and judging risk for your own money is a matter for your own judgement or a qualified adviser.