Online NPV & IRR Calculator: Net Present Value and Internal Rate of Return
A discounted-cash-flow analyzer that computes net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) from a series of periodic cash flows. Add or remove periods, set the discount rate for NPV, and get both metrics in one action, with inflows and outflows color-coded. IRR is solved numerically and every figure is calculated privately in your browser.
Net Present Value (NPV) & Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
Enter cash flows per period (t=0 is usually the initial outlay, negative), then compute NPV at a discount rate and IRR.
NPV & IRR Calculator Guide
Net present value and internal rate of return for cash flows
The NPV/IRR calculator evaluates an investment or project represented as a time-ordered series of cash flows. Enter the initial outlay (usually negative) and each subsequent period’s net cash flow, set the discount rate, and compute the net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR). NPV tells you the project’s value in today’s money; IRR is the annualised return that makes NPV zero.
01 Entering cash flows
CF0 is the cash flow at period 0 (today), typically the initial investment and therefore negative. Press Add to append CF1, CF2, and so on for each period. Positive values are income, negative values are costs. Use the × beside a row to remove a single cash flow, and Clear to start over.
The discount rate is the annual percentage used to discount future cash flows — your cost of capital or required rate of return. Press Compute to see NPV (the discounted sum) and IRR. A positive NPV means the project creates value at the chosen rate; an IRR above your discount rate is generally attractive, while a negative IRR is highlighted as a warning because the project loses money.
- NPV = Σ CFₜ / (1 + r)ⁿ
- IRR is the rate r for which NPV = 0
- Cash flows must contain at least one positive and one negative value for IRR to be meaningful
- Multiple sign changes can produce multiple IRRs — interpret with care
Cash-flow editor
- amount fieldEnter a cash-flow amount (negative for outflows).
- AddAppends the amount as the next period’s cash flow.
- ClearRemoves all cash-flow rows to start over.
- × (on a row)Deletes that single cash-flow entry.
- CF0, CF1, …List of period-indexed cash flows; colour indicates inflow vs outflow.
Calculation
- discount rateAnnual rate (%) used to discount future cash flows for NPV.
- ComputeCalculates NPV and IRR from the cash-flow series.
- NPVNet present value in currency; positive projects are value-creating.
- IRRInternal rate of return; shown with a warning accent when negative.
- Keep periods consistent — if cash flows are monthly, the IRR is per period; annualise it for comparison.
- Always enter the initial investment as CF0 (negative).
- Compare projects of similar scale and duration using NPV; use IRR as a secondary check.
- If IRR cannot be found, check that the cash flows change sign at least once.
A free online NPV and IRR calculator for discounted-cash-flow analysis. Enter period-by-period cash flows — period 0 is usually the initial outlay (negative) — and a discount rate to get the net present value; a bisection solver finds the internal rate of return that makes NPV zero. Add, edit or remove cash flow rows; everything runs locally in your browser.
Entering cash flows
Period 0 is typically the initial investment entered as a negative number; later periods are net cash inflows or outflows. Set an annual discount rate (required return). The tool computes NPV = Σ CFₜ / (1+r)ᵗ and searches numerically for the IRR at which NPV equals zero.
Interpreting the result
A positive NPV means the project adds value at the chosen discount rate; an IRR above the required return points the same way. A negative NPV (or IRR below the hurdle rate) suggests rejecting the project. Cash flows must contain both signs for IRR to exist; unusual sign patterns can produce multiple or no real roots.
Disclaimer
Results rely on standard DCF formulas and your inputs; they are not investment, tax or accounting advice. Real projects may involve taxes, inflation, varying rates and risk adjustments — verify against the specific situation and consult a professional. All data stays local.
FAQ
QWhat is the difference between NPV and IRR?
NPV discounts all cash flows at a given rate and returns a net currency amount; IRR is the percentage rate that makes NPV zero, directly comparable to a required return.
QWhy does IRR show no solution?
IRR needs both positive and negative cash flows. If all flows have the same sign, or signs change in unusual ways, there may be zero or multiple real rates.
QWhat discount rate should I use?
Typically your required rate of return, weighted average cost of capital, or a comparable market rate — the choice depends on the project's risk and your opportunity cost.
QAre my cash flows saved?
No. All computation runs locally in your browser; nothing is uploaded or written to history.