Stock Return Calculator
Understanding Stock Returns
Capital Gain
Profit from selling at a higher price than you paid. Taxed as short-term (ordinary income) or long-term (lower rate) depending on holding period.
Dividend Income
Cash payments from companies to shareholders. Qualified dividends are taxed at lower capital gains rates.
Total Return
The complete return including both capital gains and dividends. This is what really matters for measuring investment performance.
Key Metrics
Gains + Dividends
Compound Annual Growth Rate
Annual dividends / Price
Related Calculators
Understanding Stock Returns
Components of Stock Returns
Your total return from a stock investment comes from two sources: capital appreciation (the stock price going up) and dividend income (cash payments from the company).
Total Return Formula
CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate)
CAGR shows your average annual return, accounting for compounding. It's the best way to compare investments held for different time periods.
Historical Market Returns
| Index/Asset | Historical CAGR | Period |
|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 (with dividends) | ~10% | 1926-present |
| S&P 500 (price only) | ~7% | 1926-present |
| US Bonds | ~5% | 1926-present |
| Inflation (CPI) | ~3% | 1926-present |
Tax Considerations
Short-Term Gains
Stocks held less than 1 year are taxed as ordinary income (up to 37%).
Long-Term Gains
Stocks held over 1 year get preferential rates (0%, 15%, or 20%).
Qualified Dividends
Most US stock dividends qualify for lower long-term capital gains rates.
Tax-Loss Harvesting
Selling losers to offset gains can reduce your tax bill.
Real vs. Nominal Returns
Nominal returns are your raw returns before adjusting for inflation. Real returns show your actual purchasing power gain after accounting for inflation.
Important Disclaimer
Past performance does not guarantee future results. Stock investments involve risk, including potential loss of principal. This calculator is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate)?
CAGR shows your average annual return accounting for compounding. Formula: CAGR = (Ending Value / Beginning Value)^(1/years) - 1. A stock that grows from $1,000 to $2,000 over 5 years has CAGR = (2000/1000)^(1/5) - 1 = 14.87% per year. This is the most useful metric for comparing investments held different lengths of time.
How do I calculate total return on a stock?
Total Return = Capital Gain + Dividends. If you bought at $50, sold at $65, and received $3 in dividends, your total return is ($65 - $50 + $3) / $50 = 36%. Always include dividends - they contribute significantly to long-term returns (historically about 40% of S&P 500 returns).
What is the average stock market return?
The S&P 500 has historically returned about 10% annually with dividends reinvested (roughly 7% after inflation). However, returns vary widely year to year - from -37% to +53%. Individual stocks can return much more or less. Past returns don't guarantee future performance.
How are stock gains taxed?
Short-term gains (held under 1 year) are taxed as ordinary income (up to 37%). Long-term gains (over 1 year) get preferential rates: 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on income. Qualified dividends also get long-term rates. Hold investments over a year when possible for tax efficiency.