Find the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of an investment — the average return per year — from the initial value, final value and period.
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£
£
years
Enter the amount invested, the final value and the period. See the profit, total ROI and annualized return (CAGR).
=Annualized return (CAGR)
+14.47%
Profit+500 £
Total return (ROI)+50%
Annualized return (CAGR)+14.47%
Multiple1.5×
ROI is the total return over the whole period, and CAGR is the annualized average return (accounting for compounding). It excludes inflation and taxes.
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Standard financial formulas (time value of money). Instant in-browser calculation, no account, no data sent. Rates are indicative — check the provider’s actual offer. Last updated: 11 July 2026 · Bank of England base rate.
⚖︎ Results are for informational purposes and do not constitute tax advice. For specific situations, consult a licensed accountant or the relevant tax authority.
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iHow it is calculated
CAGR is the constant yearly growth rate that takes the initial value to the final value over the given number of years:
CAGR = (final ÷ initial)1/years− 1
From £1,000 to £1,500 in 3 years: CAGR = (1.5)^(1/3) − 1 ≈ 14.5% per year, even though the total return (ROI) is 50%.
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?Frequently asked questions
What is CAGR?
CAGR (compound annual growth rate) is the average yearly return of an investment, assuming steady growth and the reinvestment of gains from one year to the next.
How is CAGR calculated?
CAGR = (final value ÷ initial value)^(1 ÷ years) − 1. For example, from £1,000 to £1,500 in 3 years: (1.5)^(1/3) − 1 ≈ 14.5% per year.
What is the difference between CAGR and a simple average return?
A simple average adds the yearly returns and divides, ignoring compounding. CAGR is the geometric mean and correctly reflects real growth, accounting for compounding.
Why is CAGR more useful than total ROI?
Because it normalizes the return per year. Two investments with the same total ROI but different durations have different CAGR — the one that gets there faster is better.
What CAGR is considered good?
As a benchmark, major stock markets have historically returned a CAGR of about 7–10% a year over the long term. A CAGR above inflation means real growth in purchasing power.
Does CAGR reflect the investment’s volatility?
No. CAGR uses only the start and end values, so it smooths out fluctuations. A volatile and a stable investment can have the same CAGR with very different risk.
Can I use CAGR to project the future?
With caution. CAGR describes the past; future returns are not guaranteed. It is useful for estimates, but do not assume a high CAGR will repeat indefinitely.
How does CAGR relate to compound interest?
CAGR is exactly the compound interest rate that would turn the initial value into the final value over the given period. It is effectively the investment’s implied interest rate.
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