Skip to main content
Atpakaļ uz ceļvežiem
3 min read6 Steps

How to Calculate Sequence of Returns: Step-by-Step Guide

Calculate retirement portfolio impact

Izlaidiet matemātiku — izmantojiet kalkulatoru

Soli pa solim instrukcijas

1

Gather Your Inputs

First, identify the initial principal (P), the returns for each period (r1, r2, ..., rn), and the withdrawals for each period (W1, W2, ..., Wn). For example, let's say we have an initial principal of $100,000, annual returns of 5%, 10%, -5%, and 15% for four years, and annual withdrawals of $10,000.

2

Apply the Formula

Next, plug in the values into the formula. For our example, the calculation would be: A = 100,000 * (1 + 0.05) * (1 + 0.10) * (1 - 0.05) * (1 + 0.15) - 10,000 * (1 + 0.05)^(3) - 10,000 * (1 + 0.10)^(2) - 10,000 * (1 - 0.05)^(1) - 10,000

3

Calculate the Final Balance

Now, perform the calculations. For our example: A = 100,000 * 1.05 * 1.10 * 0.95 * 1.15 - 10,000 * 1.157625 - 10,000 * 1.21 - 10,000 * 0.95 - 10,000. Simplifying this, we get: A = 100,000 * 1.2331025 - 10,000 * 1.157625 - 10,000 * 1.21 - 10,000 * 0.95 - 10,000 = 123,310.25 - 11,576.25 - 12,100 - 9,500 - 10,000 = 123,310.25 - 43,176.25 = 80,134

4

Compare Good vs Bad Sequences

To see the impact of return order risk, compare the final balance with different sequences of returns. For instance, if the returns were -5%, 15%, 5%, and 10% instead, the calculation would be different, potentially leading to a lower final balance.

5

Avoid Common Mistakes

Common mistakes to avoid include incorrect ordering of operations, forgetting to compound the interest correctly, and not accounting for all withdrawals. Double-check your calculations to ensure accuracy.

6

Using the Calculator for Convenience

While manual calculation is possible, using a sequence of returns calculator can be more convenient, especially for complex scenarios or when exploring different what-if situations. These calculators can quickly perform the calculations and provide visualizations to help understand the impact of return order risk.

Introduction to Sequence of Returns Calculator

The sequence of returns calculator is a tool used to model the impact of return order risk on a retirement portfolio. Return order risk refers to the danger that a portfolio may be depleted too quickly if withdrawals are made during periods of low returns. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to calculate the sequence of returns manually.

Understanding the Formula

The formula for calculating the sequence of returns is based on the concept of compound interest. The formula is:

A = P * (1 + r1) * (1 + r2) * ... * (1 + rn) - W1 * (1 + r1)^(n-1) - W2 * (1 + r2)^(n-2) - ... - Wn

Where:

  • A = final balance
  • P = initial principal
  • r1, r2, ..., rn = returns for each period
  • W1, W2, ..., Wn = withdrawals for each period
  • n = number of periods

Step-by-Step Calculation

To calculate the sequence of returns manually, follow these steps:

Vai esat gatavs aprēķināt?

Izlaidiet manuālo darbu un iegūstiet tūlītējus rezultātus.

Atvērt kalkulatoru

Iestatījumi

PrivātumsNoteikumiPar mums© 2026 PrimeCalcPro