Investment Return Calculator
Calculate compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from a known final value, or project a future value from monthly contributions. Customize adds after-fee CAGR, real (inflation-adjusted) CAGR, and dividend reinvestment.
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Project nest egg + monthly income using the 4% safe withdrawal rule
Net Worth
Assets minus debts, with debt-to-asset ratio and breakdown
How to use
- 1
'Find return' — enter what you put in, what it's worth now, and how long it took. The calculator tells you the annualised return (CAGR).
- 2
'Project FV' — enter a starting amount + monthly contribution + expected return. The calculator projects the final value after N years.
- 3
Toggle between modes with the switch at the top.
Frequently asked questions
Compound Annual Growth Rate — the smoothed annual return that would have produced your actual final value from your starting value. If $10,000 grew to $20,000 in 7 years, the CAGR is (20000/10000)^(1/7) − 1 = 10.4%. CAGR is the honest way to compare investments held for different periods.
Diversified global stock index funds have returned ~7-10% nominal historically (S&P 500 is closer to 10%, MSCI World ~7-8%). Subtract ~2-3% if you want a real (inflation-adjusted) figure. Bonds: 2-4%. Cash savings in UAE: 1-5% depending on the bank. Pick a conservative number — better to be surprised positively.
Total return is the simple percentage change (100% if your money doubled). CAGR is the annualised version — how much it grew per year on average. Over long periods, the gap widens. 100% total over 10 years = only 7.2% CAGR, because of compounding.
No — it's a gross return calculator. In the UAE there's no personal capital gains tax, but you may pay management fees (~0.1-2% per year for ETFs/funds) and FX spreads if buying foreign assets. Subtract those from the annual return for a realistic number.
A common rule is 15-20% of gross income for long-term investing (retirement, financial independence). Start with what you can sustain — even AED 500/month at 7% for 30 years grows to ~AED 587k.
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Source: Standard time-value-of-money formulas · Last verified 2026-06. This tool provides estimates only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Always verify your specific situation with the relevant UAE authority or a licensed advisor before taking action.