ROI Calculator
Return on investment — the simplest and most universal measure of whether an investment was worth it.
Free · No signup · By the analysts at Blackridge Research · Updated 2026-07-18
Inputs
Results
What this means
Adjust the inputs to calculate.
About the ROI Calculator
Return on Investment (ROI) measures the profitability of an investment relative to its cost.
It is the simplest and most universal measure of investment performance.
Formula
ROI = (Final Value - Initial Investment) / Initial Investment × 100
- ROI
- — Return on Investment
- FV
- — Final Value
- IV
- — Initial Investment
How to use this calculator
- 1
Enter initial investment
The amount invested.
- 2
Enter final value
The value of the investment at the end.
Example calculations
Marketing campaign ROI
A marketing campaign costs $10,000 and generates $30,000 in revenue.
ROI = ($30,000 - $10,000) / $10,000 × 100 = 200%.
- ROI:
- 200%
- Net profit:
- $20,000
The campaign returned 200% ROI — excellent performance.
Interpreting your results
ROI > 0%: The investment generated a positive return.
ROI > 20%: Generally considered a good return.
ROI > 50%: Excellent return.
Need the market data behind this calculator?
The ROI Calculator is only as good as its inputs. Blackridge Research publishes syndicated market reports with vetted market sizes, growth rates, and competitive landscapes across 40+ industries — and builds custom studies when the shelf report doesn't exist.
Industry applications
Business
- Performance measurement: evaluate investment performance.
- Budget allocation: compare returns across investments.
- Decision making: determine which investments are worth pursuing.
Construction
- Project evaluation: assess construction project returns.
- Equipment investment: evaluate equipment purchase returns.
Research
- Investment analysis: ROI is the standard metric.
- Feasibility studies: project ROI is essential.
Common mistakes to avoid
-
✗ Ignoring the time period
ROI doesn't account for time. A 50% ROI over 10 years is worse than 50% over 1 year.
-
✗ Using incorrect final value
Include all benefits and residual value in the final value.
Frequently asked questions
›What is a good ROI?
Above 20% is generally considered good. Above 50% is excellent.
›How is ROI different from ROE?
ROI measures return on any investment. ROE measures return on shareholder equity.
Glossary
- ROI:
- Return on Investment — the ratio of net profit to investment cost.
- Net profit:
- The profit after subtracting the initial investment.
- Return:
- The gain or loss from an investment.
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Discounted cash flow — value a stream of future cash flows in today's money. The bedrock of valuation.