How to Use This ROI Calculator

Enter the total amount you invested (or plan to invest) in the first field. Enter the total return or revenue you received (or expect) in the second. Choose the time period (e.g. 6 months, 1 year) so you can interpret the result in context. Select your currency. Click Calculate ROI to see the ROI percentage, net gain or loss, and return per unit invested. Use it for projects, ad spend, tools, or any other investment you want to evaluate.

What Is ROI and Why It Matters

Return on investment (ROI) measures how much you gain or lose relative to what you put in. It is expressed as a percentage: a positive ROI means the return exceeded the investment, and a negative one means you lost money. Businesses use ROI to compare marketing campaigns, software tools, training, and other spending. This calculator works for any one-off or period-based investment and return.

When to Use an ROI Calculator

Use this tool to compare different options (e.g. two marketing channels), to report results to stakeholders, or to decide whether a project or tool is worth the cost. For ongoing costs (e.g. monthly subscriptions), include the total you pay over the period you are measuring. For revenue, use the total attributable to that investment over the same period. This is a simplified calculator; for complex cases (tax, depreciation, multiple cash flows), use a spreadsheet or financial model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good ROI? It depends on your industry and risk. A positive ROI means you got more back than you put in. Many businesses aim for high double-digit or triple-digit ROI on marketing; other investments may have lower but acceptable returns.

Can ROI be negative? Yes. A negative ROI means your return was less than your investment. The calculator shows this as a negative percentage and a net loss.

What is return per unit invested? It is the total return divided by the total investment. For example, if you invest $1,000 and get $1,500 back, you get $1.50 per $1 invested.

Does this calculator include time value of money? No. This is a simple ROI calculation. It does not discount future cash flows. For long-term projects, consider using NPV or IRR in a spreadsheet for a fuller picture.