Return on Investment (ROI)

Know about return on investment, that will serve as a benchmark for shaping marketing strategies for the future.
Return on Investment
5 mins
05-November-2025

Every investor wants to know one thing — is my money working as hard as I am? That’s where Return on Investment (ROI) comes in. It’s one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to measure how profitable an investment really is. Whether you’re comparing mutual funds, real estate, or fixed deposits, understanding ROI helps you make smarter financial decisions and maximise your earnings.

What is Return on Investment (ROI)?

ROI or Return on Investment, is a metric used to evaluate the performance of the investment or profitability of the business. The ROI directly indicates how well the business or investment is doing. A higher ROI indicates that the return on the investments outweighs the costs, which means that your business is doing great. However, a lower ROI indicates that the investment cost is more than the returns. So, you are not getting an optimal return on the investment you have made, and you should make changes to the model or functioning to make maximum benefits. Comparing ROI yearly, and quarterly is a healthy practice, which can help in making better profits with greater ease.

ROI is calculated by dividing the benefit (or return) of an investment by the investment's cost. A percentage or ratio is used to represent the outcome.

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How to Calculate Return on Investment (ROI)

Calculating the Return on Investment (ROI) is a crucial step before investing or while assessing how your investment is doing. There is a basic return on investment formula that you can look at while calculating the ROI.

ROI = Current value of investment – cost of investment / cost of investment

Using this formula, you can easily calculate the ROI.
Although ROI is a ratio, it is typically expressed as a percentage rather than as a ratio.

For example, let us say you invest Rs. 10,000 in a new marketing campaign that generates Rs. 15,000 in additional revenue. To calculate the ROI, you would subtract the cost of the investment from the gains from the investment to get Rs. 5,000. You would then divide the Rs. 5,000 by the cost of the investment (Rs. 10,000) to get an ROI of 50%.

ROI can be used to evaluate a variety of indicators, all of which contribute to a company's profitability. All returns and total costs should be measured in order to determine ROI as accurately as possible.

Why is ROI important in investment?

ROI, or return on investment, is a key metric used to evaluate the profitability of an investment. It measures the amount of return generated relative to the cost of the investment. ROI is a crucial metric because it helps investors assess the potential profitability of an investment and make informed decisions about whether to invest or not.
Here are some reasons why ROI is important in investment:

  • Helps to assess investment performance: ROI provides an objective measure of investment performance, helping investors to compare and evaluate different investment opportunities. It helps investors determine which investments are generating the most return relative to their cost.
  • Guides investment decision-making: ROI can be used as a guide to determine which investments to pursue and which to avoid. By comparing the ROI of different investment opportunities, investors can make informed decisions about where to allocate their capital.
  • Evaluates investment risk: ROI can be used to evaluate the risk associated with a particular investment. A higher ROI generally indicates a lower level of risk, while a lower ROI may indicate higher risk. By evaluating the ROI of an investment, investors can determine the level of risk they are comfortable with.
  • Helps with financial planning: ROI can also be used to help with financial planning. By projecting the potential ROI of an investment, investors can plan their financial goals and determine how much they need to invest to achieve those goals.

Overall, ROI is an important metric for investors as it provides an objective measure of investment performance, helps guide investment decision-making, evaluates investment risk, and aids in financial planning.

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Return on investment in fixed deposit

Fixed Deposits (FDs) are one of the most reliable instruments for earning consistent ROI. The returns are fixed at the time of investment and remain unaffected by market fluctuations.

With Bajaj Finance FD, you can start investing with just Rs. 15,000 and earn highest FD rates up to 7.30% p.a. depending on your tenure and customer category. Senior citizens enjoy even higher rates.

Example:
If you invest Rs. 1,00,000 for 3 years at 7.30% p.a., you will earn around Rs. 23,000 in interest — a clear, predictable ROI.

Experience secure, stable growth — backed by AAA ratings from CRISIL and ICRA, indicating the highest level of safety. Open FD.

Before investing you can calculate the returns on your fixed deposit by using the FD calculator.

Return on investment in mutual funds

The return on investment in mutual funds can vary depending on the fund's performance and the length of time you hold the investment. Mutual funds are investment vehicles that pool money from multiple investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities.

The return on investment in mutual funds can be calculated using the formula:

ROI = (current value of investment – initial investment) / initial investment
The return on investment can also be expressed as a percentage.

For example, if you invested Rs. 10,000 in a mutual fund and it is now worth Rs. 12,000, your ROI would be:
ROI = (Rs. 12,000 – Rs. 10,000) / Rs. 10,000 = 0.20 or 20%

It is important to note that mutual funds are subject to market risk, which means that their value can fluctuate based on changes in the stock market. Therefore, it is important to consider your investment goals and risk tolerance before investing in mutual funds.
Additionally, mutual funds often charge fees and expenses that can impact your overall return on investment. It is important to carefully review a fund's prospectus and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Limitations of ROI

While ROI is a valuable tool, it has its limitations:

  • Timeframe limitation: It doesn’t account for future potential or compounding benefits.
  • Cash flow oversight: It ignores the timing and frequency of cash flows.
  • Risk factors: ROI alone doesn’t reflect the risk level of an investment.
  • Complexity simplification: It may not capture nuances like taxes, inflation, or maintenance costs.
  • Distorted by accounting choices: Different accounting methods can alter ROI calculations.

That’s why investors often combine ROI with other metrics like Net Present Value (NPV) or Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for a clearer picture.

For investors who prefer simplicity and assured growth, Bajaj Finance FD provides transparent ROI — no market dependence, no hidden charges, just steady growth. Check latest rates.

What is a good ROI in investments?

Making money is the main motivation for investing. What counts most is the return on an investment, whether we are discussing the stock market, real estate, or anything else that can be bought and sold (ROI). ROI, or return on investment, is a measure of the profitability of an investment. The term "good" ROI is relative and can vary depending on the type of investment and an individual's goals and risk tolerance. In general, a high ROI is usually considered to be above 10%, while a low ROI is usually considered to be below 5%. However, it is important to note that ROI should be considered in the context of the risk involved in the investment. A high-risk investment might have a lower ROI but still be considered good if the potential return is worth the risk.

A good return on investment, however, is what? The solution is not that easy. The type of asset and your investment objectives are the determining factors. Knowing how it operates can help you decide what constitutes a good return.

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Conclusion

ROI helps you understand whether your investments are truly profitable — but it’s equally important to consider stability, safety, and risk. While equities and mutual funds offer potential for higher ROI, Fixed Deposits deliver guaranteed growth, ensuring your savings stay secure.

If you’re looking for a balance of safety and performance, start your journey with a Bajaj Finance FD — a trusted way to earn steady, predictable returns. Open FD Account.

Calculate your expected investment returns with the help of our investment calculators

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FD calculator

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Frequently asked questions

Is 7% a good ROI?

It depends on the investment type, current market conditions, and your personal goals. 7% might be great for a savings account, but disappointing for a venture capital investment.

Which investment has the highest rate of return?

Generally, high-risk investments offer the highest potential returns. But remember, high potential for gain also means high potential for loss. Consider your risk tolerance carefully.

Is ROI in FDs better than in mutual funds?

While mutual funds can offer higher returns, they carry market risks. FDs, on the other hand, offer guaranteed ROI, making them ideal for risk-averse investors. Book FD.

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Disclaimer

As regards deposit taking activity of Bajaj Finance Ltd (BFL), the viewers may refer to the advertisement in the Indian Express (Mumbai Edition) and Loksatta (Pune Edition) furnished in the application form for soliciting public deposits or refer https://www.bajajfinserv.in/fixed-deposit-archives
The company is having a valid Certificate of Registration dated March 5, 1998 issued by the Reserve Bank of India under section 45 IA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. However, the RBI does not accept any responsibility or guarantee about the present position as to the financial soundness of the company or for the correctness of any of the statements or representations made or opinions expressed by the company and for repayment of deposits/discharge of the liabilities by the company.

For the FD calculator the actual returns may vary slightly if the Fixed Deposit tenure includes a leap year.