Reverse CAGR Calculator

Calculate a future value, work backwards to a starting amount, or find the constant annual growth rate required to connect two amounts. Choose the question below and enter your own assumptions.

Enter your own assumptions, then calculate.

What does reverse CAGR mean?

CAGR is the constant annual compound rate connecting a starting amount to an ending amount. “Reverse CAGR” is commonly used for rearranging that relationship. This tool labels the unknown explicitly so that a future-value result cannot be mistaken for a required-rate result.

Formulas

Let PV be the starting amount, FV the ending amount, r the annual rate as a decimal, and n the number of years:

  • Future value: FV = PV × (1 + r)n
  • Starting amount: PV = FV ÷ (1 + r)n
  • Required annual rate: r = (FV ÷ PV)1/n − 1

A rate of 5% is 0.05 in the formulas. The displayed rate is multiplied by 100.

Worked example

With a hypothetical starting amount of ₹1,00,000, a constant rate of 5% and a period of 10 years, the formula gives ₹1,62,889.46. Reversing the same calculation gives a starting amount of approximately ₹1,00,000, or a required rate of approximately 5%. The 5% is chosen only to illustrate the arithmetic.

Assumptions and limits

This is a single starting amount compounded at a constant effective annual rate. It excludes additional deposits, withdrawals, fees, taxes and inflation. Fractional years use the same compound-power formula. Negative rates greater than −100% are supported; a negative rate reduces the future value.

A required growth rate is a mathematical result. The tool does not establish that the rate is attainable or recommend a product that might achieve it. Real investment returns fluctuate and capital can be lost. A −100% annual rate and non-positive amounts are outside the inverse formulas supported here.

Which calculator fits the cash flows?

For historical starting and ending values without intermediate cash flows, use the CAGR calculator. For dated contributions and withdrawals, use the XIRR calculator. For repeated contributions under an assumed rate, use the SIP scenario calculator.

Spreadsheet cross-check

Use =PV*(1+r)^n, =FV/(1+r)^n, or =(FV/PV)^(1/n)-1. Format the last result as a percentage. The calculator performs its arithmetic in your browser and does not submit these inputs.

Published by Getaka, a hobby project with no professional finance background. Tool and guidance revised 28 September 2026. Report an error · All calculators.