Stock Return Calculator
This calculator helps estimate stock investment returns using multiple common approaches: simple total return (price change plus cash dividends), an approximate dividend-reinvestment model, and a direct annualized (CAGR) computation from start and end values.
Use the method that best matches your record-keeping. For transaction-level precision (per-dividend reinvestments and irregular cash flows) use export and a time-weighted or XIRR-capable tool; this calculator provides high-quality estimates for planning and comparison.
Governance
Record f372bb15a129 • Reviewed by Fidamen Standards Committee
Computes money return, percent return and annualized return (CAGR) assuming constant share count (no reinvestment). Taxes and fees are applied as entered.
Inputs
Advanced inputs
Dividend reinvestment inputs
Annualized (value-based) inputs
Results
Total return (money)
$500.00
Total return (%)
5000.00%
Annualized return (CAGR)
5000.00%
| Output | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Total return (money) | $500.00 | USD |
| Total return (%) | 5000.00% | — |
| Annualized return (CAGR) | 5000.00% | — |
Visualization
Methodology
Total return (simple): calculates money gain from price change plus cash dividends, subtracts fees and estimates taxes using the entered effective tax rate, then annualizes the net result to a CAGR.
Dividend reinvestment (approximate): assumes all dividends are used to buy shares at a single average reinvestment price you provide. This is an approximation; exact results require per-dividend transaction data.
Annualized from values (CAGR): computes the compound annual growth rate from a starting and ending portfolio value and the holding period in years. This method is appropriate when you have portfolio-level beginning and ending balances.
Worked examples
Example 1 (simple): 100 shares bought at $10, sold at $15 after 2 years, $50 total dividends, no fees or taxes: total return = (15−10)×100 + 50 = $550; CAGR ≈ ( (1500+50)/1000 )^(1/2) − 1 ≈ 22.47%.
Example 2 (reinvest): same scenario but dividends reinvested at $12 average: additional shares = 50/12 ≈ 4.167, final shares ≈ 104.167, final value ≈ 104.167×15 = 1562.50; adjust for fees/taxes as entered.
F.A.Q.
Does this account for per-dividend transaction dates and fractional shares?
No. The dividend reinvestment mode uses a single average reinvestment price for simplicity. For exact per-dividend timing and fractional-share effects use a transaction-level IRR/XIRR tool or import your trade/dividend history.
How are taxes handled?
Taxes are applied as a simple effective rate you enter and are applied to gains and dividends in the estimate. This is not tax advice; consult a tax professional for jurisdiction-specific treatment and capital gains timing rules.
What precision can I expect?
Arithmetic is performed to typical double-precision limits, and final results are rounded for display. Results are estimates—see the accuracy and standards notes below.
Is the calculator providing investment advice?
No. This tool provides mathematical estimates only and is not investment advice. Consider professional financial advice for decisions that require tailored recommendations.
Sources & citations
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) — https://www.nist.gov
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO) — https://www.iso.org
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) — https://www.ieee.org
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) — https://www.osha.gov
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission - Investor Information — https://www.sec.gov/investor
- SEC — Investor.gov Educational Resources — https://www.investor.gov/
- CFA Institute — Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS) — https://rpc.cfainstitute.org/gips-standards
- FINRA — Investment Products — https://www.finra.org/investors/investing/investment-products
Further resources
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
Record ID: f372bb15a129What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-30 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Versioning & Change Control
Audit record (versions, QA runs, reviewer sign-off, and evidence).
What changed (latest)
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-30 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Public QA status
PASS — golden 25 + edge 120
Last run: 2026-01-23 • Run: golden-edge-2026-01-23
Engine
v1.0.0
Data
Baseline (no external datasets)
Content
v1.0.0
UI
v1.0.0
Governance
Last updated: Nov 30, 2025
Reviewed by: Fidamen Standards Committee (Review board)
Credentials: Internal QA
Risk level: low
Reviewer profile (entity)
Fidamen Standards Committee
Review board
Internal QA
Entity ID: https://fidamen.com/reviewers/fidamen-standards-committee#person
Semantic versioning
- MAJOR: Calculation outputs can change for the same inputs (formula, rounding policy, assumptions).
- MINOR: New features or fields that do not change existing outputs for the same inputs.
- PATCH: Bug fixes, copy edits, or accessibility changes that do not change intended outputs except for previously incorrect cases.
Review protocol
- Verify formulas and unit definitions against primary standards or datasets.
- Run golden-case regression suite and edge-case suite.
- Record reviewer sign-off with credentials and scope.
- Document assumptions, limitations, and jurisdiction applicability.
Assumptions & limitations
- Uses exact unit definitions from the Fidamen conversion library.
- Internal calculations use double precision; display rounding follows the unit's configured decimal places.
- Not a substitute for calibrated instruments in regulated contexts.
- Jurisdiction-specific rules may require official guidance.
Change log
v1.0.0 • 2025-11-30 • MINOR
Initial publication and governance baseline.
Why: Published with reviewed formulas, unit definitions, and UX controls.
Areas: engine, content, ui • Reviewer: Fidamen Standards Committee • Entry ID: 674f3d12c4df