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Reference table

Real Rate of Return Table: Real rate of return by Nominal return rate

Reference table of real rate of return for Real Rate of Return across a range of nominal return rate values — exact, engine-computed figures you can read off at a glance.

By Aarav Mehta, CFA, MBA Finance · Updated Jun 2026 · 1 min read

This real rate of return reference table shows the real rate of return for a range of nominal return rate values, assuming an inflation rate of 6%. Every figure is computed with the same engine that powers our Real Rate of Return Calculator, so the numbers are exact.

Nominal return rateReal rate of returnApproximate (nominal − inflation)
3%-2.830%-3.00%
6%0.000%0.00%
9%2.830%3.00%
12%5.660%6.00%
18%11.321%12.00%
24%16.981%18.00%
36%28.302%30.00%
6%50.943%54.00%
84%73.585%78.00%
1%88.679%94.00%

How to use this table

Find the row closest to your nominal return rate and read across to the real rate of return. For a value between two rows, the real figure sits between them — or enter your exact numbers in the Real Rate of Return Calculator for a precise answer.

Need a value that is not in the table? — the Real Rate of Return Calculator does it instantly, for free, with the formula and a worked example built in.

Continue exploring finance calculators with these tools: SIP Calculator, EMI Calculator, CAGR Calculator, FD Calculator, Effective Annual Rate (EAR) Calculator.

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Frequently asked questions

Each cell is computed with the standard formula using exact arithmetic — the same calculation behind our Real Rate of Return Calculator — so every figure is accurate for the stated assumptions.

Yes. The table covers common nominal return rate values; for any exact figure, enter your own numbers in the Real Rate of Return Calculator.

Aarav Mehta · CFA, MBA Finance

Aarav reviews every finance formula on CalcHub for accuracy.