SmartHelping / Investment Returns / IRR
IRR Target Investment Analysis
Calculate the final cash distribution needed to reach your target IRR. Enter initial and additional investments, distributions over time and a chosen end year within a 15-year horizon. The calculator runs natively in Google Sheets and can be downloaded to Excel.
Immediate download after purchase. By purchasing, you agree to the Terms of Service.
See the calculator in action
Follow the cash flows through to the required distribution.
Watch the walkthrough to see the investment inputs, IRR target and end-year calculation. Open the screenshot below for a closer look at the spreadsheet.
What you control
Build the calculation around your investment cash flows.
Enter the cash invested and distributed over time, then choose the return target and the year you want to evaluate.
Initial investment
Enter the starting investment that the return calculation will be based on.
Additional investments
Include subsequent capital contributions over time so the calculation reflects more than the initial amount.
Distributions over time
Enter interim cash distributions to account for money returned during the investment period.
Target IRR and end year
Set your desired IRR and choose the end year within the calculator’s 15-year horizon.
The main calculation
How much cash is needed at the end?
The calculator uses your investment and distribution schedule to solve for the final cash distribution needed to meet the IRR you specify.
Required final distribution
See the amount needed at the selected end year after accounting for the cash flows entered over the investment period.
Up to 15 years
Review the investment across the annual schedule and select the end year relevant to your analysis.
Compare your assumptions
Change the target IRR, contribution amounts, interim distributions or end year and review how the required final distribution changes.
Spreadsheet format
Work in Google Sheets or download to Excel.
Built natively in Google Sheets
Use the calculator in its native Google Sheets format to enter your cash flows and review the required distribution.
Download to Excel
The Google Sheets spreadsheet can also be downloaded to Excel if you prefer to work there.
How to use the calculator
Start with the cash flows and the return you want to evaluate.
Enter the investment cash flows
Add the initial investment, any subsequent contributions and the distributions over time.
Set the return target
Enter the IRR you want the investment cash flows to achieve.
Choose the end year
Select the year at which to calculate the required final distribution, up to Year 15.
Review the required cash amount
Read the calculated distribution and adjust your assumptions to compare another case.
Who this calculator is for
For investors and analysts working with return targets.
Investors reviewing a cash flow schedule
Connect capital contributions and interim distributions to the final cash amount required for a selected return target.
Analysts comparing investment cases
Rework the contribution schedule, distribution assumptions or end year to compare the cash required under different cases.
Also available in these bundles
Need more valuation and investment-analysis tools?
This calculator is included in the Valuation bundle and the Super Smart Bundle.
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Explore the templateQuestions before you buy
A few useful details.
What does the calculator solve for?
It calculates the final cash distribution needed at a chosen end year to meet your target IRR, based on the investments and distributions you enter.
Can I include additional investments and interim distributions?
Yes. The calculation accepts an initial investment, subsequent investments over time and distributions over time.
How long can the analysis run?
The calculator supports an investment horizon of up to 15 years, with a selected end year.
Does it work in Excel?
The spreadsheet runs natively in Google Sheets and can be downloaded to Excel.
How is the template delivered?
The template is immediately available to download after purchase.
Connect the target to the cash required
Calculate the distribution needed to reach your IRR target.
Get the IRR Target Investment Calculator for $45. Runs in Google Sheets with the option to download to Excel.
