The method
How it is worked out
- volatility
- Annualised standard deviation of returns
- risk-free
- Short-dated government bill yield
Measure return per unit of risk for a portfolio or fund and compare it with a benchmark. The result updates as you type so you can compare scenarios quickly.
The method
Keep in mind
Use the calculator to compare scenarios rather than as a guaranteed forecast.
Measure return per unit of risk for a portfolio and compare it with a benchmark.
Sharpe is return minus the risk-free rate, divided by volatility. The benchmark at your risk level scales its Sharpe by your volatility.
11% return with 16% volatility against a 4% risk-free rate is a Sharpe of 0.44; a benchmark at 9% and 14% scores 0.36.
Put it to work
Load an example
What moves the result most
Worked out from your figures above. Tap a row to try it.
Who uses it, and when
Investors comparing funds and portfolios, and anyone learning risk-adjusted return.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Questions
Measure return per unit of risk for a portfolio or fund and compare it with a benchmark.
Sharpe is return minus the risk-free rate, divided by volatility. The benchmark at your risk level scales its Sharpe by your volatility.
The core calculation or transformation runs in your browser. Normal website security and analytics may still record page-level events, but the tool does not need to create a public record from your inputs.
Using one year of data. Comparing Sharpe ratios computed over different periods. Ignoring that rare large losses are understated.
No. Use the result as a practical check or planning aid and verify important decisions with the relevant primary source, provider or professional advice.
Executive Insights
Results are estimates based on the figures entered, for general information only, and not financial, investment, tax or legal advice. See our terms of use.