How to Calculate Return Percentage: A Simple Guide

April 24, 2025 3 min read

Knowing how to calculate return percentage is crucial for evaluating the performance of investments, whether you're assessing stock gains, real estate profits, or the success of a marketing campaign. The return percentage, often referred to as Return on Investment (ROI), provides a clear picture of profitability relative to the initial investment.

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The Basic Formula

The most common way to /blog/calculate-percentage-return is using the following formula:

Return Percentage = ((Final Value - Initial Investment) / Initial Investment) * 100

This formula gives you the percentage gain or loss on your investment.

Step-by-Step Calculation

  1. Determine the Initial Investment: This is the original amount of money you invested.
  2. Calculate the Final Value: This is the value of the investment at the end of the period you're evaluating.
  3. Apply the Formula:
    • Subtract the initial investment from the final value.
    • Divide the result by the initial investment.
    • Multiply by 100 to express the return as a percentage.

Example: You invested $5,000 in a stock. After a year, the stock is worth $6,000. Your return percentage is (($6,000 - $5,000) / $5,000) * 100 = 20%.

Beyond the Basics: Considering Additional Income

Sometimes, investments generate additional income, such as dividends or interest. In these cases, adjust the formula to include this income:

Return Percentage = ((Final Value - Initial Investment + Additional Income) / Initial Investment) * 100

Example: Using the previous example, assume the stock also paid $200 in dividends. The return percentage becomes (($6,000 - $5,000 + $200) / $5,000) * 100 = 24%.

Why Calculate Return Percentage?

Understanding /blog provides several advantages:

  • Investment Comparison: Allows you to compare the profitability of different investments, regardless of their size.
  • Performance Evaluation: Helps you assess whether an investment is meeting your financial goals.
  • Informed Decision-Making: Provides data for making better investment decisions in the future.

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