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How to calculate return on investment (ROI) in Excel and Google Sheets
Excel & Google Sheets
=((B2-A2)/A2)*100✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Initial Investment | Final Value | ROI |
| 1000 | 1200 |
=((B2-A2)/A2)*100→20
Try it with your data
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Sample data — click any cell to edit
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Step by step
- 1Enter your initial investment amount in cell A2.
- 2Enter your final investment value in cell B2.
- 3In cell C2, enter the formula to calculate ROI: =((B2-A2)/A2)*100.
Tips
- Ensure that the initial investment is not zero to avoid division by zero errors.
- Format the result as a percentage for better readability.
- Adjust cell references if your data is in different cells.
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Frequently asked
What does a negative ROI indicate?
A negative ROI indicates that the investment resulted in a loss.
Can I use this formula for multiple investments?
Yes, you can copy the formula down to apply it to other investments in subsequent rows.
Is ROI the same in Excel and Google Sheets?
Yes, the ROI calculation formula is identical in both Excel and Google Sheets.