australia • AUD

Investment Return Calculator (Australia)

Calculate investment returns, ROI, CAGR and compound growth from lump sum or monthly contributions. Free Australian investment calculator with inflation adjustments.

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Initial investment

Initial lump sum

Ongoing contributions

Monthly contribution

Growth assumptions

Expected annual return (%)

Investment duration15 years

Compounding frequency

Financial Disclaimer: This result is an educational estimate produced by applying a standard formula to the figures you entered. It is not an offer, a quotation, or financial advice: real costs and returns depend on a provider's pricing, fees and underwriting, and on circumstances this calculator does not collect. Confirm the figures with the provider or a qualified adviser before acting on them. Full disclaimer.

Sources & methodology

Formula:: Future value of the lump sum
Reference:: Moneysmart (Australian Securities and Investments Commission)

Calculation type: Projection from your assumptions. Figures are taken from Moneysmart (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) — see sources below.

Your entries stay on this device. This calculator runs entirely in your browser — the figures you type are not sent to us or to anyone else. The page itself uses cookies for analytics and advertising, described in the privacy policy.

Formula & methodology

Formula used

Future value of the lump sum

FV = P × (1 + r/n)^(n×t)

The opening investment compounds at the selected frequency.

Future value of the contributions

FV_contrib = c × [ (1 + r/n)^(n×t) − 1 ] / (r/n)

Contributions are entered monthly but compound per period, so the amount is converted (monthly × 12 ÷ n) before the annuity factor is applied.

Total return and annualised return

ROI = gain ÷ contributed × 100;  annualised = (FV ÷ contributed)^(1/t) − 1

ROI is the simple total gain over everything you put in; the annualised figure restates that as a per-year compound rate, which is the fairer basis for comparing periods of different lengths.

Variable definitions

Symbol	Meaning	Unit
P	Lump sum. initial investment	AUD
c	Contribution per period. monthly contribution converted to the compounding frequency	AUD
r	Annual return. expected nominal return	ratio
n	Compounding periods per year. 1, 4 or 12	count
t	Time invested. holding period	years

Step-by-step calculation

1. Enter your starting amount and contributions
Both are projected forward; a negative expected return is handled as a legitimate scenario.
2. Set the return and compounding frequency
Contributions are converted to match the compounding period.
3. Compare gain against what you contributed
Total gain is separated from deposits so growth is never overstated.

Limitations

A constant rate of return is assumed. Real markets vary year to year, and the sequence of returns materially changes the outcome — especially when contributions or withdrawals are involved.
Fees and taxes are excluded. Management fees, brokerage and tax on earnings all reduce the compounding base.
The expected return you enter is an assumption, not a forecast. Past performance does not indicate future returns.

This page is educational. It applies a standard formula to the figures you enter and shows the arithmetic behind the result. It is an estimate, not an offer, a quotation or financial advice: real costs depend on the provider's pricing, fees and underwriting, and on circumstances this calculator does not collect.

Sources & references

How to invest — returns, risk and diversification — Moneysmart (Australian Securities and Investments Commission)

Help & FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to common questions to help you use this calculator confidently.

Does this calculator account for investment fees or taxes?

Tap to view the answer

No. The calculator shows gross returns only. Fees and taxes should be considered separately.

How do ATO capital gains tax (CGT) and franking credits affect investment returns?

Tap to view the answer

This calculator shows gross returns before tax. In reality, capital gains tax (CGT) and franking credits reduce net returns. As a rough guide, CGT applies to 50% of gains for assets held >12 months (individuals). Franking credits reduce taxes on Australian share dividends. Both should be considered when planning investments.

Does this calculator account for superannuation concessional contributions and tax?

Tap to view the answer

No. Superannuation contributions (concessional, non-concessional, salary sacrifice) have special tax treatment at 15% vs personal rates. If planning super, use a separate super calculator or consult a financial advisor. The ATO website has super contribution guides.

What is the difference between pre-tax and after-tax investment returns?

Tap to view the answer

Pre-tax (gross) returns are before CGT, income tax, and fees. After-tax returns are net of tax. This calculator shows pre-tax; always estimate after-tax outcomes by considering your personal tax rate (0-45% in Australia) and CGT implications. Higher earners may face Medicare Levy Surcharge if no private health insurance.

Does this investment return calculator adjust results for inflation?

Tap to view the answer

No. Results are shown in nominal terms. Inflation should be considered separately.

Need more help? Contact support or email globalcalqulate@gmail.com

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Understanding Investment Returns in Australia

What Is Investment Return?

Investment return represents the profit or loss generated from an investment relative to the amount invested.

ROI vs CAGR

ROI shows total percentage gain. CAGR shows average yearly growth and is better for comparing investments.

Lump Sum vs Monthly Investing

Lump sums benefit from time in market. Monthly investing spreads risk over time.

Using This Calculator

Enter amounts, return rate and years to see future value and growth.

Formula & methodology

Formula used

Future value of the lump sum

FV = P × (1 + r/n)^(n×t)

The opening investment compounds at the selected frequency.

Future value of the contributions

FV_contrib = c × [ (1 + r/n)^(n×t) − 1 ] / (r/n)

Contributions are entered monthly but compound per period, so the amount is converted (monthly × 12 ÷ n) before the annuity factor is applied.

Total return and annualised return

ROI = gain ÷ contributed × 100;  annualised = (FV ÷ contributed)^(1/t) − 1

ROI is the simple total gain over everything you put in; the annualised figure restates that as a per-year compound rate, which is the fairer basis for comparing periods of different lengths.

Variable definitions

Symbol	Meaning	Unit
P	Lump sum. initial investment	AUD
c	Contribution per period. monthly contribution converted to the compounding frequency	AUD
r	Annual return. expected nominal return	ratio
n	Compounding periods per year. 1, 4 or 12	count
t	Time invested. holding period	years

Step-by-step calculation

1. Enter your starting amount and contributions
Both are projected forward; a negative expected return is handled as a legitimate scenario.
2. Set the return and compounding frequency
Contributions are converted to match the compounding period.
3. Compare gain against what you contributed
Total gain is separated from deposits so growth is never overstated.

Limitations

A constant rate of return is assumed. Real markets vary year to year, and the sequence of returns materially changes the outcome — especially when contributions or withdrawals are involved.
Fees and taxes are excluded. Management fees, brokerage and tax on earnings all reduce the compounding base.
The expected return you enter is an assumption, not a forecast. Past performance does not indicate future returns.

Calculator inputs

Initial investment

Ongoing contributions

Growth assumptions

Your results

Sources & methodology

Formula & methodology

Formula used

Future value of the lump sum

Future value of the contributions

Total return and annualised return

Variable definitions

Step-by-step calculation

Limitations

Sources & references

Does this calculator account for investment fees or taxes?

How do ATO capital gains tax (CGT) and franking credits affect investment returns?

Does this calculator account for superannuation concessional contributions and tax?

What is the difference between pre-tax and after-tax investment returns?

Does this investment return calculator adjust results for inflation?

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Calculator inputs

Initial investment

Ongoing contributions

Growth assumptions

Your results

Sources & methodology

How to Use This Calculator

Example Investment Return (Australia)

Understanding Your Results

Key Tips

Understanding Investment Returns in Australia

What Is Investment Return?

ROI vs CAGR

Lump Sum vs Monthly Investing

Using This Calculator

Formula & methodology

Formula used

Future value of the lump sum

Future value of the contributions

Total return and annualised return

Variable definitions

Step-by-step calculation

Limitations

Sources & references

How to Use This Calculator

Example Investment Return (Australia)

Understanding Your Results

Key Tips

Understanding Investment Returns in Australia

What Is Investment Return?

ROI vs CAGR

Lump Sum vs Monthly Investing

Using This Calculator