A breakdown of CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) and what each result means.
1. What is CAGR?
CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) is the constant annual growth rate that takes an investment from its starting value (PV) to its ending value (FV) over a given duration. It smooths out year-to-year variation — actual returns in any single year may be higher or lower — and gives you one comparable number across investments. It's the standard benchmark for comparing mutual funds, stocks, real estate, and other long-term assets.
2. The Core Formula
The CAGR equation is:
CAGR = (FV / PV)1/n − 1
The growth ratio FV/PV tells you how many times the investment grew (e.g. 2× if it doubled). Raising it to the power 1/n annualizes that growth — it answers "what constant annual rate, compounded n times, produces this multiple?". Subtracting 1 converts the growth factor into a rate.
3. Real CAGR (Inflation-Adjusted)
Nominal CAGR doesn't account for inflation. To see what your money actually earned in purchasing power, use the Fisher equation:
Real CAGR = (1 + nominal CAGR) ÷ (1 + inflation) − 1
If your CAGR is 12% and inflation is 6%, your real CAGR is about 5.66%. This is the rate at which your purchasing power actually grew.
4. Tax on Gains
This calculator applies a flat 12.5% LTCG rate to the total gain (FV − PV). This aligns with India's long-term capital gains tax on equity and equity-oriented mutual funds:
Tax = (FV − PV) × 12.5%
For debt funds (post-April 2023) and FDs, gains are taxed at your slab rate, typically higher.
5. Doubling Time
How long it takes to double your money at a constant CAGR:
Doubling Time = ln(2) / ln(1 + CAGR)
At 12% CAGR, money doubles in about 6.12 years; at 15%, about 4.96 years.
Caveats & Disclaimer
Returns are illustrative. CAGR assumes a constant annual growth rate — actual year-by-year returns vary, sometimes significantly. CAGR is best used for comparison and planning, not as a predictor of future single-year returns. Mutual fund investments are subject to market risk; past performance does not guarantee future results. The 12.5% LTCG assumption applies to equity/equity-oriented holdings held longer than 1 year. Consult a tax advisor for personalised guidance.