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Compounded Return Series Resources

See how a sequence of supplied percentage returns compounds into an index.

Averaging percentage returns does not reproduce the change in wealth. This worksheet multiplies each period's growth factor, follows an index from your chosen starting level, and reports cumulative return alongside arithmetic and geometric period averages.

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Compounded Return Series Calculator

Compare a compounded path with arithmetic and geometric averages for supplied period returns.

Starting at a hypothetical index of 100, +10% produces 110, −10% produces 99, and +5% produces 103.95. Cumulative return is +3.95%. The arithmetic average is about 1.6667% per period, while the geometric average is about 1.2997%; the two averages describe different calculations.

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10 Services for Reviewing Return Series

A return-series review starts with period and cash-flow definitions. Record tools, chart exports and spreadsheets can support analysis, but the sequence should not be inferred merely from a chart's visual slope or scale.

Compare documented roles using period definitions, cash-flow treatment, arithmetic versus geometric mean, sequence export, historical data versus forecast. The Telegram channel we promote is disclosed in the first entry.

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Prepare useful inputs

Use returns for consistently defined consecutive periods, with any external cash flows already handled in their calculation. Enter percentages, so 10 means 10%. The starting index is an arbitrary positive scale, not a cash deposit. Period labels identify your supplied sequence.

Read results in their proper scope

These means use the periods you supply and are not automatically annualized. A −100% period sends the index to zero; later percentage returns relative to zero do not define a recovery. Returns below −100% are outside this nonnegative-wealth index model.

The worked example and method can be read without JavaScript. Running the calculator requires JavaScript; its form values remain in the browser, with no account connection or quote lookup for calculation.

Official sources and scope

The sources document formats, mechanisms or record workflows. The arithmetic and editorial comparison on this page use the supplied worksheet definitions.

  • Microsoft Excel CSV import/export

    CSV import/export and explicit column interpretation; opening CSV applies default formats.

    Reference checked 2026-10-01. Consult the source for current product rules.
  • Google Sheets data ingestion

    CSV ingestion and spreadsheet analysis; file size and format limitations apply.

    Reference checked 2026-10-01. Consult the source for current product rules.
  • TraderSync trade file import

    Trade file imports with explicit date format and time zone.

    Reference checked 2026-10-01. Consult the source for current product rules.