CAGR Calculator

CAGR tells you the smooth annual growth rate between two points in time, cutting through year-to-year noise. Useful for comparing investments, tracking business revenue growth, or anything else that grows over multiple years.

Note
CAGR assumes a smooth, constant growth rate between the start and end values. Real returns can be volatile year to year.

How to use

  1. Enter your starting value and where it ended up.
  2. Enter how many years passed in between.
  3. You'll get the CAGR percentage and total return, so you can compare it against other options.

CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) is the rate at which an investment grows from its initial value to its final value over a given period, assuming profits are reinvested each year. It smooths out volatility and gives you a single annual growth rate that represents the investment's performance. The formula is: CAGR = (Ending Value / Beginning Value)^(1/n) − 1, where n is the number of years.

CAGR is widely used to compare mutual fund returns, business revenue growth, and stock performance. For example, if a mutual fund grew from ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,00,000 in 7 years, the CAGR is (2,00,000/1,00,000)^(1/7) − 1 = 10.41% per year. It does not reflect year-to-year volatility, a fund with 50% growth one year and -30% the next may still show a decent CAGR.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good CAGR for mutual funds in India?

For equity mutual funds, a CAGR of 12–15% over 5–10 years is considered good. Large-cap funds average 10–12%, while mid and small-cap funds can deliver 14–18% CAGR over long periods. Debt funds typically return 6–8% CAGR.

What is the difference between CAGR and absolute return?

Absolute return is the total percentage gain without considering time. CAGR normalises the return per year. For example, a 100% absolute return over 10 years is only 7.2% CAGR, very different from 100% in 2 years which is 41.4% CAGR.

Can CAGR be negative?

Yes. If the ending value is less than the beginning value, CAGR is negative. For example, if an investment fell from ₹1,00,000 to ₹70,000 in 5 years, the CAGR is approximately −6.9% per year.

What is the difference between CAGR and IRR?

CAGR assumes a single initial investment and a single final value. IRR (Internal Rate of Return) accounts for multiple cash flows at different times, making it more suitable for SIP investments or businesses with irregular cash flows.

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Disclaimer: Results are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Figures may vary based on actual terms. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making financial decisions.