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Calculation details
Planning estimate only, not financial, tax, or legal advice. Verify assumptions and current rules before making decisions.
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What does this calculator estimate?
This calculator works out the Compound Annual Growth Rate of an investment from its starting value, ending value, and the number of years held. Enter those three numbers and it applies the formula CAGR = (ending value ÷ starting value)^(1 ÷ years) − 1 entirely in your browser. The result shows the average yearly return you would have needed to match that growth, so you can compare performance across different investments or time periods.
What does CAGR assume away?
CAGR collapses a decade of ups and downs into one smooth rate, which is its power and its blind spot. Two investments with identical CAGR can carry wildly different volatility; the path matters for investors who withdraw along the way. Use CAGR for endpoint comparison and pair it with a look at the actual yearly swings before concluding the journeys were equivalent.
Can CAGR be negative or misleading over short periods?
Yes on both counts. A one-year CAGR is just a return wearing a costume, sensitive to the start date; a negative CAGR over a short window can reflect timing rather than trend. Extending the period or computing CAGR from several non-overlapping windows shows whether the rate is a durable property of the investment or an artifact of where the clock started.
How this calculator works
Formula
CAGR = (end / start)^(1 / years) - 1.
Worked example
$10,000 growing to $18,000 over 5 years: a 12.47% compound annual growth rate.
Sources
Sources support the method, terminology, or planning context. Editable assumptions remain your responsibility.
Assumptions to verify
- No contributions or withdrawals occur between the endpoints.
- The time period is measured in years.
- CAGR is a smoothed historical rate, not a forecast.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CAGR calculator and how does it work?
A cagr calculator computes the Compound Annual Growth Rate of an investment over a specified time period. It uses your starting value, ending value, and the number of years to calculate the average annual growth rate, all processed instantly in your browser.
Is the cagr calculator free and do I need to create an account?
Yes, the cagr calculator is completely free to use with no signup required. It runs entirely in your browser, so your data is never stored on a server and your privacy is fully protected.
How accurate are the results from the cagr calculator?
The cagr calculator applies the standard CAGR formula and delivers mathematically precise results. However, it assumes a smooth, consistent growth rate and does not account for volatility or market fluctuations, so treat it as an estimate rather than a guaranteed outcome.
Cite this tool
BoringToolsKit. “CAGR Calculator.” boringtoolskit.com/cagr-calculator/ (reviewed August 2026). Free to reference in articles, syllabi, and answer posts with a link.
Privacy: Inputs and results stay in this browser. Results are planning estimates based on your inputs; verify assumptions and current rules before making decisions.