Does this account for taxes?

No. This calculator shows gross return before taxes. Capital gains taxes vary depending on your holding period (short-term vs. long-term) and income bracket. Dividends may be qualified or ordinary income. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

Should I include commissions?

Yes, if you paid trading commissions, subtract them from the sale proceeds or add them to the purchase cost for a more accurate net return. Most modern brokers charge zero commissions, but older trades may have fees worth including.

Investing

Stock Return Calculator

A stock return calculator helps you measure the full return on a stock investment, combining price appreciation (or depreciation) with dividend income received. Total return is the most accurate way to compare investment performance across different types of stocks and time periods.

Stock Return

How it works

Formula & methodology

Capital Gain / Loss = (Sale Price - Purchase Price) × Number of Shares. Dividend Income = Dividends per Share × Number of Shares. Total Return ($) = Capital Gain + Dividend Income. Total Return (%) = (Sale Price - Purchase Price + Dividends per Share) / Purchase Price × 100. The percentage return is calculated per share so it reflects the true yield on the capital deployed.

Source: Investopedia: Total Return

Example

Worked example

Example: buying 50 shares at $100, receiving $3/share in dividends, and selling at $135 produces a $1,750 capital gain plus $150 in dividends = $1,900 total return, or 38% on the original $5,000 invested.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does this account for taxes?: No. This calculator shows gross return before taxes. Capital gains taxes vary depending on your holding period (short-term vs. long-term) and income bracket. Dividends may be qualified or ordinary income. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Should I include commissions?: Yes, if you paid trading commissions, subtract them from the sale proceeds or add them to the purchase cost for a more accurate net return. Most modern brokers charge zero commissions, but older trades may have fees worth including.

Tips

Practical tips

Always calculate total return (price change plus dividends), not just price change — for many dividend-paying stocks, dividends make up a large share of the real return over time.
Keep a simple spreadsheet of purchase price, date, and commissions for each position — it makes accurate return calculations (and tax reporting) far easier at tax time.

Results are estimates for general informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Always confirm important figures with a qualified professional or your lender before making a financial decision.