CAGR Calculator
Calculate compound annual growth rate, total percentage change and growth multiple. Explore an illustrative compounded growth chart and compare values across your selected period.
Calculate Compound Annual Growth Rate
Enter beginning and ending values, then choose a period in years or calculate the duration from two dates.
Illustrative Compounded Growth
The chart shows a smooth mathematical path connecting your beginning and ending values. It does not represent actual year-by-year performance.
| Years elapsed | Illustrative value |
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Optional Hypothetical Projection
Enter an assumed annual rate to illustrate a value three years after the ending value. This is not a prediction.
Change the assumed rate and select Calculate CAGR again to update the projection.
What Is CAGR?
CAGR stands for Compound Annual Growth Rate. It represents the constant annual compounded rate that would transform a beginning value into an ending value over a specified number of years.
Worked example
If a value increases from 1,000 to 1,500 over five years, the CAGR is approximately 8.45%, while total growth is 50%. CAGR annualizes the change; it does not mean the value actually rose by 8.45% in every individual year.
CAGR vs. total growth
Total growth measures the overall percentage change. CAGR accounts for the length of the period and expresses that change as an equivalent annual compounded rate. Comparing CAGR across different periods can be useful, but the underlying measures must be comparable.
How to Use the CAGR Calculator
- Enter the beginning value, which must be greater than zero.
- Enter the ending value, which may be zero but cannot be negative.
- Enter the period in years, or select start and end dates.
- Click Calculate CAGR to view the annualized rate, total change and growth multiple.
- Review the illustrative chart and table to understand the mathematical growth path.
Common uses
CAGR can summarize historical revenue, customer counts, sales, market size or investment values over multiple years. It is most useful when the beginning and ending figures measure the same thing.
Important limitations
CAGR smooths the entire period and does not show interim volatility, cash flows, fees or the timing of contributions. It is not a forecast. The standard formula requires a positive beginning value and a positive time period; a zero ending value produces a CAGR of −100%.
Important: This calculator is an informational mathematical tool, not investment, tax or financial advice. Check underlying figures and consult qualified professionals for consequential decisions.
CAGR Calculator FAQs
What does CAGR stand for?
Compound Annual Growth Rate.
Can CAGR be negative?
Yes. A lower nonnegative ending value than the positive beginning value produces a negative CAGR.
Can I calculate CAGR from dates?
Yes. Select the date-based period option and provide a start date and later end date. The calculator converts elapsed days into an approximate number of years.
Is CAGR the same as average annual growth?
No. CAGR is a compounded annualized rate based on the starting value, ending value and elapsed time. A simple arithmetic average of annual rates is different.
Does the growth chart show actual historical performance?
No. It shows a hypothetical smooth compounded path between your two entered values.
Does CAGR predict future results?
No. Historical CAGR does not guarantee future performance. Any projection on this page is hypothetical.
Is the calculator free?
Yes, it can be used without creating an account.