IRR Calculator

Calculate internal rate of return, NPV at IRR, total cash flow, net profit, cash-on-cash return, and payback estimate. Use this IRR calculator to evaluate investments, projects, and uneven cash flows.

Calculate Internal Rate of Return

IRR is the discount rate that makes NPV equal to zero.
Your result will appear here.

How the IRR calculator works

Standard IRR:
Enter an initial investment and future cash flows to calculate the internal rate of return.

IRR with terminal value:
Add a final terminal value to the last cash flow for projects with an ending sale value.

Equal annual cash flow:
Use one repeating annual cash flow amount for a set number of years.

Compare to required return:
Compare calculated IRR to your hurdle rate and calculate NPV at that required return.

Why use an IRR calculator?

An IRR calculator helps compare investments, business projects, rental improvements, equipment purchases, startup costs, and cash-flow opportunities.

IRR is useful because it turns a series of cash flows into a percentage return that can be compared against a required return.

What your result means

Your result shows the internal rate of return, NPV at your required return, total cash inflow, net profit, cash-on-cash return, and payback estimate. If IRR is higher than your required return, the investment may meet your return target. If it is lower, it may not meet that target.

IRR calculator formulas

Frequently asked questions

What is IRR?

IRR stands for internal rate of return. It is the discount rate that makes the net present value of cash flows equal to zero.

How do you calculate IRR?

IRR is usually calculated by testing discount rates until the present value of future cash flows equals the initial investment.

Is a higher IRR better?

A higher IRR usually means a stronger estimated return, but investment size, risk, timing, and total profit should also be considered.

Can there be more than one IRR?

Yes. If cash flows change signs more than once, there may be multiple possible IRR values. This calculator returns an estimated practical IRR when one can be found.