How this calculator works
The price gain is divided by the positive purchase price. Both prices must be on the same per-share or whole-position basis. The result covers the holding interval without annualizing it. Trading fees, distributions, taxes and leverage are outside the price-only calculation.
Formula
Gain = current price - purchase price; capital gains yield = gain/purchase price; current price = purchase price × (1 + yield).
Worked example
Buying at $100 and valuing the share at $120 gives a $20 capital gain and 20% yield. A move from $80 to $60 gives a $20 loss and -25% yield.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I include dividends?
No. Add dividend income in the holding period return calculator to measure total return.
Can the yield be -100%?
Yes in the forward yield calculation when the current value is zero. The reverse purchase-price calculation needs a rate above -100%.
Is the result annualized?
No. It is the price return over whatever interval separates your two values.