Financial Mathematics

Investment Profitability Index

Compare the present value of future cash inflows with an initial outlay.

Your numbers

Sample inputs are illustrative. Changing currency changes labels only.

Your result

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How to use this calculator

  1. Enter present value of future inflows, initial investment.
  2. Choose a display currency, then select Calculate. Results also update after a brief pause while you edit.
  3. Read the result with the assumptions below. Export details or save a second scenario to compare your choices.

Formula and method

Profitability index=PV of future inflows/initial outlay.

Assumptions and limitations

Future flows must already be discounted consistently; ranking ratios can mislead when project sizes differ.

Worked example

With present value of future inflows = 12000, initial investment = 10000, profitability index is approximately 1.2.

What the result means

Above one indicates positive NPV for the supplied present-value estimate.

Common questions

How should I interpret profitability index?

Above one indicates positive NPV for the supplied present-value estimate.

What should I check before using this result?

Future flows must already be discounted consistently; ranking ratios can mislead when project sizes differ.

Methodology and transparency

Calculation specification reviewed on 2026-10-14. Mathematical implementation is tested against independent reference fixtures. This does not imply review by a licensed financial professional. Read the testing and precision policy.