How to use the CAGR calculator for two values
Keep the two value fields in the same unit, such as dollars, revenue, or headcount. Enter the dates that belong to those values. After you click Calculate, the result shows the annualized rate, total growth, elapsed years, formula, and intermediate values. The year count comes from the calendar-day gap divided by 365.25.
- Enter the number in Starting value (any unit).
- Enter the matching-unit number in Ending value (same unit).
- Enter the dates in Start date and End date, with the end date later.
- Click Calculate to show the result, or click Reset to clear the inputs and result.
What the CAGR calculator shows
The result section lists the compound annual growth rate, total growth over the period, and years elapsed. The assumptions table repeats the values and dates, then adds the days between dates, years calculated from those days, growth multiple, total growth, and CAGR.
An ending value of zero makes CAGR undefined:
Starting value: 10000
Ending value: 0
CAGR: Undefined (ending value is 0)A positive ending value produces a percentage. If it is below the starting value, that percentage is negative. The input labels allow any matching unit, while the value rows in the assumptions table use USD formatting.
How to calculate compound annual growth rate
The calculator applies this formula:
CAGR = (Ending value / Starting value)^(1 / Years) - 1
It calculates Years as the exact number of calendar days between Start date and End date, divided by 365.25. The rate describes the annualized change between the two endpoints. Deposits, withdrawals, fees, and changes within the period do not enter this formula.
When CAGR inputs fail validation
- Starting value (any unit) must contain a number greater than
0. - Ending value (same unit) must contain a number of
0or greater. - Both date fields are required, and End date must be later than Start date.
- Changing an input hides the current result until you click Calculate again.
The calculation uses the two endpoint values only. Contributions, dividends, taxes, and the path between the dates are outside it.
Where a two-date growth rate comes up
For revenue, enter two recorded totals in the same unit and attach the date for each total. The result places the annualized rate beside the endpoint values and the elapsed period.
For headcount, enter the count at the start and end of the period. The result gives one annualized rate for those endpoints and keeps the entered dates in the assumptions table.
For account snapshots, enter the two values and dates as recorded. Deposits, withdrawals, and fees are not adjusted for, so those transactions remain outside the comparison.
When to use a different financial calculator
Choose the Investment Return Calculator when contributions, withdrawals, income, or fees occur between the two dates. Choose the APY Calculator when you have a nominal interest rate and compounding frequency. For a loan's APR, use the APR Calculator, which takes the amount, stated rate, fees, term, payment frequency, and payment timing. The Financial Calculators category also includes tools for loans, pay, debt, investing, housing, savings, and retirement.
After calculating, click Copy result for the plain-text summary or Download result (.txt) to save a text file. The page calculates from the values and dates you enter, and the script does not send those values through a network request.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate CAGR from two values?
Enter a positive Starting value (any unit), an Ending value (same unit), and both dates, then click Calculate. The tool divides the ending value by the starting value and annualizes that multiple using the elapsed years.
How does the CAGR calculator use dates?
It counts the calendar days between Start date and End date, then divides that count by 365.25 to get Years. End date must be later than Start date.
Why is CAGR undefined when the ending value is zero?
The endpoint multiple is zero when the ending value is zero, so CAGR is undefined. The result labels it as Undefined (ending value is 0) and still shows the other calculated values.
Does CAGR include deposits, withdrawals, or fees?
No. CAGR uses the starting value, ending value, and dates. Transactions and charges between those dates are outside the formula.
Does the CAGR calculator use live prices or account data?
No. The calculator uses the values and dates entered into its fields. Its script does not fetch live prices or account records.