Calculator Inputs
Large screens show 3 columns, smaller screens 2, and mobile 1.Example Data Table
This example shows how purchase price, sale price, income, and costs combine into a net simple return result.
| Units | Purchase Price | Sale Price | Income per Unit | Buy Fees | Sell Fees | Other Costs | Profit | Simple Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 50.00 | 58.00 | 1.50 | 15.00 | 15.00 | 10.00 | 910.00 | 18.15% |
Sample details: purchase value 5,000.00, sale value 5,800.00, income received 150.00, and initial outlay 5,015.00.
Formula Used
Purchase Value = Units × Purchase Price per Unit
Sale Value = Units × Sale Price per Unit
Income Received = Units × Cash Income per Unit
Initial Outlay = Purchase Value + Buy Fees
Net Ending Value = Sale Value + Income Received − Sell Fees − Other Costs
Net Profit or Loss = Net Ending Value − Initial Outlay
Simple Return = (Net Profit or Loss ÷ Initial Outlay) × 100
Break-Even Sale Price per Unit = (Initial Outlay + Sell Fees + Other Costs − Income Received) ÷ Units
Annualized Return is optionally estimated from the ending value and holding period when months are provided.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the number of units or shares purchased.
- Type the original purchase price for each unit.
- Enter the expected or actual sale price per unit.
- Add any dividends, coupons, or cash income per unit.
- Include buy fees, sell fees, and other costs or taxes.
- Optionally enter holding months for annualized return insight.
- Press the calculate button to show the result above the form.
- Use the export buttons to save your results as CSV or PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does simple return measure?
Simple return measures overall gain or loss relative to the initial amount invested. It combines price movement, income received, and listed transaction costs into one percentage figure.
2. Does this calculator include dividends or income?
Yes. Cash income per unit is multiplied by the number of units and added to proceeds before net profit and return percentages are calculated.
3. Why are fees important in return calculations?
Fees reduce net profit. Even small trading costs can materially change return percentages, especially on short holding periods or lower-value positions.
4. What is the break-even sale price?
It is the sale price per unit needed to recover purchase cost, fees, and other costs after considering any income already received.
5. Is simple return the same as annualized return?
No. Simple return looks at total gain across the full holding period. Annualized return estimates how that performance translates into a one-year rate.
6. Can I use this for stocks, bonds, or funds?
Yes. The calculator works for many assets when you can define units, buy price, sale price, income, and transaction-related costs.
7. What happens if my sale price is lower than purchase price?
The calculator will show a lower or negative price return. Income may offset some of that loss, but fees and costs still reduce the final result.
8. When should I use this instead of a total return model?
Use it when you want a clear percentage snapshot from starting cost to ending value. For portfolio reinvestment modeling, a broader total return framework may be better.