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How to Calculate Stock Return

What is Stock Return?

A stock return calculator computes total investment return including price appreciation and reinvested dividends, plus annualised return (CAGR) for comparison.

Formula

Total return = (Ending value − Beginning value + Dividends) / Beginning value × 100

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1Total return = (Ending value − Beginning value + Dividends) / Beginning value × 100
  2. 2CAGR = (Ending / Beginning)^(1/years) − 1
  3. 3Price return only: ignores dividends
  4. 4Dividend yield: historically ~40% of total stock market returns

Worked Examples

Input
Buy £10k, sell for £14k after 4 years, £800 dividends received
Result
Total return = (£14k−£10k+£800)/£10k × 100 = 48%; CAGR = 10.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stock Return?

A stock return calculator computes total investment return including price appreciation and reinvested dividends, plus annualised return (CAGR) for comparison. Use this calculator for accurate, instant results.

How accurate is the Stock Return calculator?

The calculator uses the standard published formula for stock return. Results are accurate to the precision of the inputs you provide. For financial, medical, or legal decisions, always verify with a qualified professional.

What units does the Stock Return calculator use?

This calculator works with inches, percentages. You can enter values in the units shown — the calculator handles all conversions internally.

What formula does the Stock Return calculator use?

The core formula is: Total return = (Ending value − Beginning value + Dividends) / Beginning value × 100. Each step in the calculation is shown so you can verify the result manually.

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