# Return on Equity Calculator (ROE)

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/finance/return-on-equity/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The return on equity calculator works out how much profit a company generates for each dollar of shareholders' equity – using average equity if you have opening and closing balances – and the related ROA and leverage.

## Inputs

- Net income
- Shareholders' equity at the start of the year
- Shareholders' equity at the end of the year
- Total assets

## Results

- Average equity
- Return on equity (ROE)
- Return on assets (ROA)
- Equity multiplier

## Formula

```
ROE = net income ÷ shareholders' equity × 100
Average equity = (opening + closing) ÷ 2
ROA = net income ÷ total assets; equity multiplier = assets ÷ equity
```

## Explanation

ROE measures how effectively management uses investors' money. Warren Buffett looks for companies with consistently high ROE (15%+) achieved without excessive debt – which the DuPont analysis helps check.

### How to use the Return on Equity Calculator

- **Net income**
- **Shareholders' equity at the start of the year**
- **Shareholders' equity at the end of the year**
- **Total assets**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Enter net income, shareholders' equity at the start and end of the year (or the same figure twice) and total assets.

### Tips

- Take figures from the same financial statements and the same fiscal year.
- Compare ratios with companies in the same industry, not across industries.
- Use several valuation measures together; no single ratio tells the whole story.
- Market prices change every second – refresh the share price before you rely on a result.

### Common mistakes to avoid

- Mixing per-share figures with company totals.
- Using trailing earnings for one company and forward earnings for another.
- Forgetting dilution from options and convertible securities.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterNet incomeAmount in your currencyShareholders' equity at the start of the yearAmount in your currencyShareholders' equity at the end of the yearAmount in your currencyTotal assetsAmount in your currency

### What each result means

- **Average equity** = ([Shareholders' equity at the start of the year] + [Shareholders' equity at the end of the year])÷2
- **Return on equity (ROE)** = [Net income]÷[Average equity]×100
- **Return on assets (ROA)** = [Net income]÷[Total assets]×100
- **Equity multiplier** = [Total assets]÷[Average equity]

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Net income** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Net incomeReturn on equity (ROE) (%)6,000,0007.59,000,00011.2512,000,0001515,000,00018.7518,000,00022.524,000,00030

## Worked example

Inputs — Net income: $12,000,000; Shareholders' equity at the start of the year: $75,000,000; Shareholders' equity at the end of the year: $85,000,000; Total assets: $200,000,000.

Results — Average equity = $80,000,000.00; **Return on equity (ROE) = 15 %**; Return on assets (ROA) = 6 %; Equity multiplier = 2.5 ×.

## FAQ

**What is a good ROE?**
15–20% is generally considered good; it varies by industry.

**Can ROE be too high?**
Very high ROE may come from heavy debt or very low equity.

**Why use average equity?**
It matches profit earned during the year with the equity used over the year.

**What formula does the Return on Equity Calculator use?**
ROE = net income ÷ shareholders' equity × 100.


## Sources

- [Corporate Finance Institute – financial ratios](https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/)