Ethereum Investment
| Asset | Start amount ($) | Annual Investment ($) | Annual Rate (%) | Profit ($) in 10 Years | Total ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26.33% | 53,739.87 | 60,739.87 |
All Assets Per Year
| Year | Start Amount | Total Contribution | Profit per Year | Accumulated Profit | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5,000 | $200 | $1,369 | $1,369 | $6,569 |
| 2 | $6,569 | $400 | $1,782 | $3,151 | $8,551 |
| 3 | $8,551 | $600 | $2,304 | $5,456 | $11,056 |
| 4 | $11,056 | $800 | $2,964 | $8,419 | $14,219 |
| 5 | $14,219 | $1,000 | $3,797 | $12,216 | $18,216 |
| 6 | $18,216 | $1,200 | $4,849 | $17,065 | $23,265 |
| 7 | $23,265 | $1,400 | $6,178 | $23,243 | $29,643 |
| 8 | $29,643 | $1,600 | $7,858 | $31,101 | $37,701 |
| 9 | $37,701 | $1,800 | $9,979 | $41,080 | $47,880 |
| 10 | $47,880 | $2,000 | $12,660 | $53,740 | $60,740 |
Why Ethereum's Numbers Look So Different
Ethereum's historical CAGR is far higher than traditional assets because it started from near zero and is still a young, thinly-regulated market. That growth came with extreme volatility — drawdowns of 70–90% have happened multiple times in Ethereum's history, even during periods that were strongly positive over the full window. A high historical average return does not mean a smooth ride, and past performance is not a reliable predictor of future returns for an asset this young.
The annual rate shown is the actual CAGR calculated from historical Ethereum price data, not a projection or opinion about future performance. See the full Ethereum price history to explore specific date ranges, including major crashes and recoveries.
What This Calculator Doesn't Include
This projection assumes a constant annual rate applied smoothly every year, which is not how Ethereum actually behaves — real returns are concentrated in short, sharp bull runs followed by long drawdowns. It also doesn't account for exchange fees, staking rewards or slashing risk, custody risk, or capital gains tax, all of which matter more for Ethereum than for most traditional assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ethereum's historical return rate realistic going forward?
Almost certainly not at the same magnitude. Early Ethereum returns reflect a market growing from a tiny base; as market capitalization grows, percentage gains of that size become mathematically harder to repeat. Treat the historical rate as a record of the past, not a forecast.
How does Ethereum compare to Bitcoin?
Both are highly volatile relative to traditional assets, but they don't always move in lockstep. Compare their actual historical performance side by side on the historical market comparison tool, or see the Bitcoin ROI calculator for the equivalent projection for Bitcoin.
Should Ethereum be a large part of a portfolio?
That depends entirely on individual risk tolerance; this tool doesn't give financial advice. Many investors who hold Ethereum treat it as a small, high-risk allocation rather than a core holding. Use the portfolio comparison tool to see how a small Ethereum allocation affects overall portfolio volatility and return.
Does this account for taxes on Ethereum gains?
No, all figures are pre-tax. Capital gains tax treatment for cryptocurrency varies by country and holding period, so actual after-tax returns will be lower than shown here.