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- Finds the total return on a stock, including dividends and fees.
- Shows the profit or loss in dollars and as a percentage.
- Splits the return into price gain and dividend return.
- Works out the annualized return for the years you held it.
How to use the stock return calculator
Enter the purchase and selling price
Use the current price if you still hold the stock.
Enter the number of shares
For example 100.
Enter dividends and years held
Total dividends received and how long you held the shares.
Add fees (optional)
Commissions and other costs.
How stock return is calculated
Total return counts both the change in the share price and any dividends you received. The annualized return turns that total into an average yearly rate, so you can compare holdings over different lengths of time.
Stock return formulas
Total return = (final value + dividends − cost) ÷ cost
Annualized return = ((final value + dividends) ÷ cost)^(1 ÷ years) − 1
Cost = shares × purchase price + fees
Example: 100 shares bought at $50, now $75
$400 of dividends over 3 years.
- Amount invested $5,000
- Capital gain $2,500 (50.00%)
- Dividend return 8.00%
- Total return 58.00% ($2,900 profit)
- Annualized return 16.47% a year
Why total return matters
Compare stocks fairly
A high-dividend stock and a growth stock can be compared on total return.
Judge past decisions
See how a holding really performed.
Compare with an index
Check your annualized return against the market.
Plan taxes
Know your gain before you sell.
Find the yearly growth rate between two values with the CAGR calculator, plan dividend income with the dividend calculator, or project future growth with the investment calculator.
Stock return calculator FAQ
How do you calculate the return on a stock?
Add the final value and dividends, subtract what you paid, then divide by what you paid.
What is the difference between total and annualized return?
Total return is the whole gain over the holding period; annualized return is the equal yearly rate that gives the same result.
Should dividends be included?
Yes. Dividends are part of your return, and leaving them out understates it.
What is a good annual stock return?
Broad stock markets have historically averaged roughly 7% to 10% a year over long periods, but returns vary widely.
Are taxes included?
No. Capital gains and dividend taxes depend on your situation.
Can I use this for ETFs and funds?
Yes. Enter the price per unit and the number of units.