How to use Internal Rate of Return Calculator

Enter cash flows beginning at time zero.
Set the minimum and maximum rate per period.
Review all returned candidates, residuals and numerical cautions.

Example: Internal Rate of Return Calculator

Internal Rate of Return Calculator: 2 numerical candidates in the entered range.

You add

Periodic cash flows: -100, 230, -132 Minimum rate per period (%): -99 Maximum rate per period (%): 1000

You get

2 numerical candidates in the entered range. Rate per period (%) Normalized residual 10.00000000 2.748e-16 20.00000000 4.663e-16 Approximate candidates within the entered range; this does not certify a complete root count or multiplicity. A rate is annual only when cash flows are annual. Multiple rates do not choose an investment for you.

Options

Cash-flow sequence: The first value occurs at period zero. Later values follow at equally spaced periods, with negative and positive amounts kept in their original order.
Search interval: Candidate rates are searched only inside the selected percentage interval. A period rate is annual only when the cash-flow period is a year.

Supported inputs and limits

2–25 equal-period cash flows within ±10^12 and a searched rate range inside -99% to 1000%. At least one positive and one negative value. Floating-point candidates and residuals do not certify a complete root count or multiplicity. Ambiguous near-zero regions are refused. A period rate is annual only for annual cash flows; no investment recommendation.

Where your input is processed

This tool processes your input in this browser. Your text and files are not uploaded to UseFreeTools. Check this tool's limits for anything it may save on your device.

Several candidates can describe the same cash flows

A cash-flow sequence with several sign changes can have multiple return-rate candidates. This page reports bounded numerical candidates and residuals rather than certifying every root. Compare net present values at a relevant discount rate instead of selecting the largest candidate as an investment recommendation.

Questions about Internal Rate of Return Calculator

Can the same cash flows have two IRRs?

Yes. Changing signs can produce multiple candidates; a single rate may not summarize the decision.

Is the returned rate annual?

Only when your equal cash-flow periods are annual.

Does no candidate prove there is no IRR?

No. It applies to the entered range and bounded numerical method.

Project manager: Tony Hines · Content updated 4 October 2026 · Report a problem