How to use the rental property roi calculator
Prepare the values for this calculation
Estimate rental property NOI, cash flow after debt service, and cash-on-cash return. Use the formula below to check that it answers your question. Read the input units before transferring figures from a statement, measurement or dataset.
Enter and check each input
- Monthly rent: enter a value at least 0. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Vacancy rate (%): enter a value at least 0 and no more than 100. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Annual operating expenses: enter a value at least 0. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Annual debt service: enter a value at least 0. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Cash invested: enter a value at least 1e-06. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
The input table gives a complete example. Keep units and time periods consistent across related fields.
Calculate and resolve any input error
Choose Calculate after entering the values. Changes also update the answer after a short pause. If an error appears, follow its message, correct the field and calculate again. Reset restores the example values.
Interpret the answer
Check Annual cash flow first. With the unchanged example inputs, it is $6,200.00. Compare the additional metrics with the primary result; each has its own label and unit.
Compare and keep a useful result
For a controlled comparison, keep every other example input unchanged and change Monthly rent from 3000 to 3300. The resulting Annual cash flow is $9,620.00. This illustrates the equation’s response to that input, rather than a forecast of real events.
Read the chart’s axis labels and data table. A scenario curve changes one stated input while holding the others fixed; it does not add external observations. Use Download graph to save an available chart as a PNG.
Use Copy result or Download CSV to keep the answer. Share tool shares the page address without placing your input values in the URL. Recheck inputs and assumptions before using the result for a decision.
Rental Property ROI Calculator formula
NOI=rent×12×(1−vacancy)−operating expenses; cash flow=NOI−debt service.
Inputs and units
| Input | Format / range | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly rent | minimum 0 | 3000 |
| Vacancy rate (%) | minimum 0; maximum 100 | 5 |
| Annual operating expenses | minimum 0 | 10000 |
| Annual debt service | minimum 0 | 18000 |
| Cash invested | minimum 1e-06 | 100000 |
Worked example
Using the example inputs above, the annual cash flow is $6,200.00.
- Annual cash flow
- $6,200.00
- NOI
- $24,200.00
- Cash-on-cash return
- 6.2%
Results and assumptions
The output uses the annual cash flow convention and formula shown above. Match the entered units and source assumptions when comparing results.
Rates, fees and tax assumptions are entered values. This calculation does not quote a lender, determine a tax liability or guarantee an investment return.
Fix an input or unexpected result
Monthly rent is required. Enter monthly rent using the format and bounds in the input table. Zero and an empty field are different: use zero only if it is allowed and represents your data.
If your answer differs from the example, choose Reset and compare every field, including selected units and options. Check percentage versus decimal entry and whether values describe the same period. Round only the final displayed answer when reproducing the formula.
If a discrepancy remains, report the calculator issue with the page address, non-sensitive example inputs, actual result, expected result and a reference for your calculation.