IRR (Internal Rate of Return) Calculator

IRR = the discount rate that makes NPV = 0. Solved numerically via Newton's method.

Inputs

Result

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How to use this calculator

  • Enter initial investment.
  • List annual cash flows.
  • Read IRR; compare to your hurdle rate.

About this calculator

IRR is the discount rate that makes NPV exactly zero — the project's break-even rate. If IRR > your required return (hurdle rate), accept. Solved numerically because there's no closed-form for general cash flows. Beware: with non-conventional flows (sign changes), IRR can be multiple-valued or undefined; use NPV instead in those cases.

Frequently asked

IRR vs NPV — when do they conflict?+
For mutually exclusive projects of different scale or timing, IRR can rank wrong. NPV always picks the wealth-maximizing choice.
Why might IRR be undefined?+
For "non-conventional" cash flows (sign changes beyond initial outflow), there can be 0, 1, or multiple IRRs. Use MIRR or NPV in those cases.
Reinvestment-rate assumption?+
Standard IRR assumes intermediate cash flows are reinvested at the IRR itself — often unrealistic. MIRR fixes this.
How accurate is the numeric solver?+
Newton with bisection fallback converges to ~10⁻⁹ precision typically. Reported as a percentage to 4 decimal places.
What's a "good" IRR?+
Above your hurdle rate. Corporate projects: WACC + 2-5%. VC investing: 25%+. Real estate: 12-20%.

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