finance calculator
"Get Back" Return Needed Calculator
Enter a portfolio drawdown to see the percentage gain required to get back to even, plus the annualized rate needed over a chosen horizon.
Results
- Gain needed to get back to even
- 42.86%
- Annualized return needed over timeframe
- 7.39%
How to use this calculator
- Enter the percentage drop from the peak.
- Optionally set how many years you want to allow for recovery.
- Review the one-time gain required and the annual return needed to get back to even.
Inputs explained
- Loss from peak
- Percent decline from the previous high (e.g., 25 means your balance is 75% of the peak).
- Years to recover
- How many years you want to spread the recovery over for the annualized figure.
How it works
We convert the drop (e.g., -30%) into the multiplier needed to return to 1.0: required gain = 1 / (1 - drop) - 1.
We then annualize that required gain across the number of years you enter.
Outputs show both the single gain and the annual rate needed to hit that target in equal yearly returns.
When to use it
- Understanding how deep drawdowns require larger percentage gains to recover.
- Setting realistic return targets after a market drop.
- Comparing recovery timelines (3 vs 5 vs 10 years).
Tips & cautions
- Bigger losses require disproportionately higher gains; a 50% loss needs a 100% gain to recover.
- Use conservative annual return assumptions for planning; actual returns vary yearly.
- This is a nominal calculation—no inflation adjustments.
- Assumes smooth annual returns; real markets are volatile.
- Does not model contributions/withdrawals during recovery.
- Caps loss input at 99% for calculation stability.
Deep dive
Calculate the percentage gain required to recover from a market loss and the annualized return needed over your chosen timeframe.
Enter your drawdown to see how much return it takes to get back to even and what yearly rate would achieve it.
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