Explainer
Total Return vs Price Return
Two charts can show different return numbers for the same ticker because one may include cash payouts like dividends. Here is a plain-language take on what each return type means and why the gap matters.
Published: December 26, 2025 · Updated: December 26, 2025 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Disclaimer
- Educational purposes only, not financial advice.
- Examples are illustrative; results depend on your inputs and assumptions.
- Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
- See the Privacy Policy for data handling details.
Open the Investment History Checker
Test a window, see the returns, and note whether dividends are included in your run.
Quick answer
- Price return tracks the share price change only.
- Total return includes price change plus dividends or distributions.
- The gap can be small or meaningful depending on the asset and time window.
Definitions
- Price return: the change in share price between two dates.
- Total return: price change plus dividends or distributions received in that window.
- Dividend or distribution: cash paid out to shareholders or fund holders.
Price vs total return
| Return type | Includes | Does not include |
|---|---|---|
| Price return | Price change | Dividends and distributions |
| Total return | Price change plus dividends and distributions | Fees, taxes, inflation unless stated |
Simple formulas
Price return (%) = ((End price - Start price) / Start price) * 100
Total return (%) = ((End price - Start price + Dividends received) / Start price) * 100
Note: Dividends received is simplified and depends on payout dates and reinvestment.Mini illustrative example
Start price: 100. End price: 110. Dividends paid: 3. Price return is 10%. Simplified total return is 13%. Real world total return depends on payout dates and whether dividends are reinvested.
Why your numbers might differ
- Some sources report price return only.
- Some report total return with dividend reinvestment.
- ETFs and funds can have distributions.
- Different vendors treat corporate actions and adjustments differently.
- Fees and taxes are usually excluded from public return numbers.
What the Investment History Checker shows
The checker uses historical prices for the selected ticker and window. See the dividends note and the tool disclaimer for what is included. For details on dividends not included, read dividends and what is included.
When total return matters most
- Long time windows.
- Dividend paying assets.
- Funds with regular distributions.
FAQ preview
Is total return always higher?
Usually higher when dividends are paid, but not guaranteed—fees and taxes can trim results.
Does total return include taxes?
Most public figures skip taxes and personal fees unless they say otherwise.
Does the tool include dividends?
It uses historical prices for your window. See dividends and what is included for the limitations.
What about ETFs and distributions?
ETFs and funds can pay distributions; whether they are included depends on the data source and method.
Why do two sites show different returns?
They may be showing price return, total return with reinvested dividends, or using different adjustments.
Where is the full FAQ?
See the Investment History Checker FAQ.
Try it with your own dates
Run a window, note the return type, and keep a snapshot for your records.