Annualized Return Calculator
Convert a holding-period investment return into an annualized rate.
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Understand this calculation
Annualizing converts a return earned over a specific number of days into a one-year compounded equivalent rate.
Formula
Worked example
A 10% return over 180 days annualizes to roughly 21% using compounding.
How to interpret the result
Annualization helps compare different holding periods. Very short holding periods can produce extreme annualized figures that may not be realistic or repeatable.
Assumptions & limitations
The result assumes the holding-period return could compound repeatedly at the same rate. It is not a forecast.
Practical context
When this calculator is useful
Annualized return is useful when two investments were held for different lengths of time and you want a common one-year comparison basis. It is especially helpful for short holding periods that would otherwise be difficult to compare directly.
How investors commonly use it
Investors often annualize a realized holding-period return to compare it with another investment, a benchmark or a target rate. The figure is most informative when the original holding period is long enough to make the comparison economically meaningful.
What this metric does not tell you
Annualization does not mean the same return can actually be repeated for a full year. Short-period gains or losses can become exaggerated when compounded mathematically, so the result should not be treated as a forecast.