Geometric Mean Calculator
Average growth rate across multiple periods.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Geometric mean
- 1.045562
- As a growth rate
- 4.556%
- Arithmetic mean
- 1.0475
- Total product
- 1.195085
- Periods
- 4
Quick answer
The geometric mean is the nth root of the product of n values — the average that respects compounding, which is why it is used for investment returns.
G = (x₁·x₂·…·xₙ)^(1/n)
How to use the Geometric Mean Calculator
- 1Enter each period's growth factor (1.08 for +8%, 0.95 for −5%).
- 2Read the geometric mean and its equivalent percentage growth.
- 3Use that rate as the compound annual growth rate for the whole span.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Values (or growth factors like 1.08)1.08, 0.95, 1.12, 1.04
Results
- Geometric mean1.045562
- As a growth rate4.556%
- Arithmetic mean1.0475
- Total product1.195085
- Periods4
Frequently asked questions
Why not just average the percentages?
Because gains and losses compound: +50% then −50% leaves you down 25%, but the arithmetic mean says 0%.
Can I use negative numbers?
Not directly. Convert returns to growth factors (1 + r) first, which are always positive for real investments.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.