Calculator Panel
Calculation Ready
Enter your values above and click Calculate.
What This Calculator Does
This calculator determines portfolio dollar and percentage gains, helping you track overall wealth growth.
How to Use This Calculator
Input total capital invested and current total market value. Click Calculate to view portfolio gain/loss metrics.
How the Calculation Works
The underlying math engine processes your inputs using exact formulas. This systematic approach ensures professional, institutional-grade calculation precision:
Mathematical Formula
Formula Legend:
- · Current Value = Total current portfolio market value.
- · Total Invested = Total cumulative capital additions invested.
Practical Example
Suppose you invested a total of $80,000 into your portfolio, which has a current market value of $100,000:
Step-by-Step Mathematical Walkthrough:
- 1 Subtract total invested from current value: $100,000 - $80,000 = $20,000.00 total capital gain.
- 2 Divide by total invested capital: $20,000.00 / $80,000.00 = 0.25.
- 3 Multiply by 100 to get total percentage gain: 25.00% portfolio gain.
Important Assumptions & Notes
- Total invested incorporates all cash contributions made over time.
Common Mistakes or Considerations
- Excluding cash deposits, which distorts actual investment gains.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is portfolio gain or loss calculated?
By subtracting the total purchase cost of all assets in your portfolio from the current aggregate market value of those assets.
What is the difference between paper (unrealized) and locked-in (realized) gains?
Unrealized gains ('paper gains') reflect increases in the value of assets you still own. Realized gains occur only when you sell the assets and lock in cash profits.
How do fees or transaction costs affect portfolio net gains?
Every fee, expense ratio, or broker commission reduces your portfolio value, directly lowering your net capital gains.
Does this calculator account for dividends received?
Yes, standard portfolio trackers include dividends in the total return, which increases your aggregate gain beyond simple price changes.
How do I interpret a negative portfolio return?
A negative return means your portfolio's current market value is lower than your initial investment cost, indicating an overall capital loss.