Stock Return Calculator
Calculate your total profits and annualized returns from stock investments. Factor in dividends, share price appreciation, and brokerage fees.
Example Stock Return Calculation
See how a $5,000 buy grows to a $7,500 sell over 3 years with dividends and fees.
Step 1: Net Profit Calculation
- Buy Cost: $50 × 100 = $5,000
- Sale Price: $75 × 100 = $7,500
- Capital Gain: $2,500
- Dividends: +$200
- Fees: -$20
- Net Profit: $2,680
Step 2: Percentage Returns
Total ROI: ($2,680 / $5,010) × 100 ≈ 53.49%
($5,010 includes half of fees as part of cost basis)
Annualized: ((7,690 / 5,010)^(1/3) - 1) × 100 ≈ 15.35%
Frequently Asked Questions
Total Return vs. Annualized Return?
Total return is your overall profit percentage since you bought the stock. Annualized return shows your average growth per year, which is better for comparing investments held for different amounts of time.
Do dividends count as part of return?
Yes! Dividends are a critical part of total return. Many stocks provide income through dividends even if the share price doesn't change much. This is known as "Income Investing".
How do fees affect my return?
Fees are "drag" on your portfolio. A $10 fee on a $100 trade is a 10% instant loss. For long-term investors, low-cost or zero-fee brokerages are essential to maximizing growth.
What is a good annualized return?
Historically, the S&P 500 averages about 7% to 10% per year before inflation. Beating this benchmark consistently is difficult for most individual investors.
What is Capital Gains Tax?
It is the tax you pay on the profit from selling an asset. In the US, assets held for more than a year are taxed at lower "long-term" rates (0%, 15%, or 20%). This calculator does not deduct tax.
Yield vs. Return?
Dividend Yield is the annual dividend divided by the share price. Total Return is the combination of yield plus the change in the stock's price (appreciation).
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Stock market investments carry risk. Returns are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified professional before making significant financial decisions.