CAGR Calculator (Compound Annual Growth Rate)
A CAGR calculator is a tool that helps investors find the average annual growth rate of their investment over a specific period.

Based on your inputs, if your initial investment is ₹10,000 and it grows to ₹14,000 over 3 years.
CAGR will be 11.87%
What is CAGR?
CAGR is a metric that shows the average rate at which an investment grows annually over a specified period. It helps you understand how much your investment would have grown each year if it had followed a steady compounded rate of return from start to finish.
What is a CAGR Calculator?
A CAGR calculator is a financial tool that helps investors estimate the average annualised rate at which their investment has grown over a specific period. It offers a simplified way to understand long term investment performance in a consistent time adjusted format.
How Does a CAGR Calculator Work?
A CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) calculator helps you estimate the average yearly growth of your investment over a specific time period. To use it you simply enter the initial investment amount, the final value and the number of years the investment was held. The calculator then applies a formula to show how much your investment would have grown each year assuming consistent growth.
How to calculate CAGR?
Use the following formula:
CAGR = (FV / PV) ^ (1 / n) - 1
Where:
- FV = Future Value
- PV = Present Value (Initial Investment)
- n = Number of Years
Example: If you invested 10,000 and the value became 14,000 after 3 years, CAGR = (14,000 / 10,000) ^ (1 / 3) - 1 ~= 11.5%.
How to Use Kotak's CAGR Calculator?
This online tool helps you avoid complex calculations and provides instant results with just a few basic details.
- Enter the Initial Investment Amount: This is the amount you originally invested for example 10,000.
- Enter the Final Investment Value: This is the current or ending value of your investment for instance 14,000.
- Enter the Investment Duration: Input the number of years you stayed invested say 3 years.
- Click on Calculate: The calculator will automatically apply the CAGR formula and display the average annual growth rate of your investment.
Advantages of Using Kotak's CAGR Calculator
- User Friendly Interface: Requires only three inputs initial investment amount (PV), final value (FV) and investment duration making it accessible for all types of investors.
- Time Saving and Efficient: Delivers CAGR results instantly eliminating the need for manual calculations or spreadsheets.
- Improves Portfolio Analysis: Helps evaluate long term investment growth aiding in performance review and rebalancing decisions.
Limitations of CAGR
- Assumes a uniform growth rate which may not reflect real market movements.
- Ignores market volatility and fluctuations during the investment period.
- Does not consider additional investments or withdrawals made over time.
Most used Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
CAGR shows the average annual growth of an investment over a specific period. It is calculated using the formula: CAGR = (Final Value / Initial Value)^(1/n) - 1, where n is the number of years.
In mutual funds CAGR reflects the average annual return of a lump sum investment over a defined period.
CAGR is typically used for lump sum investments as it shows a consistent annual growth rate over a fixed period. On the other hand, XIRR is better suited for investments involving multiple or irregular cash flows such as SIPs since it accounts for the timing of each transaction.
Absolute return shows the total return over a period without considering time. CAGR on the other hand provides an annualised return making it more suitable for comparing long term investments.
There is no fixed benchmark for a good CAGR, as it varies based on the investment product, market conditions, and individual financial goals.
CAGR simplifies performance tracking by offering a single growth rate for the entire period. It helps compare different investment options and understand long term growth trends.
CAGR is not suitable for SIPs, which involve regular investments. For SIP returns use XIRR.
Use CAGR when analysing the performance of a lump sum investment over a fixed period. It is most helpful when you need to compare investments with consistent time horizons.
CAGR measures the average annual growth rate of an investment over time, so it is already annualised and does not need additional conversion.
Yes, Kotak's online CAGR calculator is free to use and accessible to all investors without the need for registration or payment.
CAGR is simpler and suitable for single investment scenarios. IRR/XIRR is preferred when there are multiple or irregular cash flows. Each has its use depending on the investment type.
Disclaimers:
Investors may consult their Financial Advisors and/or Tax advisors before making any investment decision.
These materials are not intended for distribution to or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution would be contrary to local law or regulation. The distribution of this document in certain jurisdictions may be restricted or totally prohibited and accordingly, persons who come into possession of this document are required to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions.









