📊 ROI Calculator
Enter your investment's total gain and original cost to calculate the return on investment (ROI) as a percentage.
How the ROI Calculator works
ROI is calculated as (gain minus cost) divided by cost, expressed as a percentage — a simple, widely-used way to compare the profitability of different investments.
Step-by-step calculation
- 1Enter the investment cost.
- 2Enter the final value or gain.
- 3Divide net gain by cost.
Worked example
Investing $1,000 and getting $1,250 back: ROI = 250 ÷ 1,000 = 25%.
ROI Calculator examples
| Total gain / final value ($) | Return on investment |
|---|---|
| 600 | -40.0% |
| 900 | -10.0% |
| 1,200 | 20.0% |
| 1,500 | 50.0% |
| 1,800 | 80.0% |
Other inputs kept at the calculator's default values. Results calculated by this calculator.
Why use a ROI Calculator?
Compare investments and projects on the same scale.
Important factors that can affect your results
- Time is ignored (use CAGR for yearly rate).
- Hidden costs.
- Taxes.
Frequently asked questions
Does this account for the time period?
No — this is a simple ROI calculation; comparing investments held over different time periods may need an annualized rate instead.
Can ROI be negative?
Yes — a negative ROI means the investment lost money relative to its original cost.
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Last reviewed November 2026 · How we build and check our tools · Report a problem