ROI example · Educational math
What is the ROI if $20,000 falls to $16,000?
Stated sample values—not market forecasts.
Calculator · How we calculate · Questions
Direct answer
Direct answer (stated sample only): $20,000.00 ending at $16,000.00 over 2 years has ROI about -20.00% (net -$4,000.00; multiple 0.80×). Annualized about -10.56%. Not investment advice or a forecast.
Compare sample final values
Same initial ($20,000.00) and years (2).
| Final value | ROI | Profit / loss | Annualized |
|---|---|---|---|
| $14,000.00 | -30.00% | -$6,000.00 | -16.33% |
| $16,000.00 | -20.00% | -$4,000.00 | -10.56% |
| $18,000.00 | -10.00% | -$2,000.00 | -5.13% |
| $20,000.00 | 0.00% | $0.00 | 0.00% |
| $22,000.00 | 10.00% | $2,000.00 | 4.88% |
Educational arithmetic only. Not investment advice, a securities recommendation, or a forecast of future returns. Taxes, fees, and dividends are not modeled unless included in your final value.
Compare final values
Same initial investment and years| Final value | ROI | Profit / loss | Annualized |
|---|
Formulas used
ROI % = (final − initial) ÷ initial × 100Annualized ≈ (final ÷ initial)^(1 ÷ years) − 1when years > 0 and final ≥ 0
Related
Common questions
What is the ROI if an investment of $20,000 ends at $16,000?
Direct answer (stated sample only): $20,000.00 ending at $16,000.00 over 2 years has ROI about -20.00% (net -$4,000.00; multiple 0.80×). Annualized about -10.56%. Not investment advice or a forecast.
Is this a guaranteed return?
No. Sample numbers illustrate math only—not market performance.
How do I change the numbers?
Open the prefilled ROI calculator and edit initial, final, or years.
Educational only. Last reviewed: August 9, 2026.