Total Return Calculator
Calculate total return from a starting value, ending value, cash income, fees, and holding period. The result separates net gain from total and annualized percentages.
Written and checked by TheToolNet Editorial Team · Last reviewed: September 27, 2026 · Editorial method
Total return = (ending value + income − fees − starting value) ÷ starting value.
Calculate total and annualized return
What total return includes
Price change alone omits the cash an asset distributes. Total return combines ending value with dividends, interest, rent, or other cash income and subtracts relevant fees. The inputs can use any currency as long as every amount uses the same one.
Annualized return
The annualized result converts the total value multiple into a compounded yearly rate: (ending wealth ÷ starting value)1/years − 1. It makes different holding periods easier to compare, but it does not show volatility or the path taken.
Irregular cash flows need a different method
This simple calculation treats income and fees as part of final wealth. If you added or withdrew capital on specific dates, use a money-weighted return such as XIRR with dated cash flows. For price appreciation without income, use the capital gains yield calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Can cash income be negative?
Yes, if it represents a cash outflow not already entered as a fee. Avoid counting the same cost twice.
Is total return after tax?
Only if you enter after-tax values. The calculator does not determine tax treatment.