Calculate alpha: the return above what CAPM predicts.
Please do not make financial decisions based on these results.
What is the Jensen’s Alpha Calculator?
Calculate alpha: the return above what CAPM predicts. To use the Jensen’s Alpha Calculator, enter portfolio return, risk-free rate, market return, beta; it returns jensen’s alpha, expected return (capm), and shows them instantly as you type.
Where the Jensen’s Alpha Calculator fits
Calculate alpha: the return above what CAPM predicts. The main figure it returns is the Jensen’s alpha, worked out from the values you enter.
It belongs with the other investment tools. If you are comparing options or checking a result from another angle, try the IRR Calculator, ROI & Profit Margin Calculator or the Rate of Return Calculator.
How to use the Jensen’s Alpha Calculator
- Enter your numbers. Start with Portfolio return (%), Risk-free rate (%), Market return (%), then fill in Beta. Use a rate of return you consider realistic; small changes compound into large differences. Fields marked optional can stay at zero.
- Read the result. The highlighted box gives the Jensen’s alpha, and the cards below show Expected return (CAPM). Tables and charts break it down further.
- Test other scenarios. Results update as you type. Change one value at a time to see what drives the answer, and press Reset to go back to the defaults.
Formula and how it works
Example with real numbers
Here is the Jensen’s Alpha Calculator using the default values shown in the calculator above:
Inputs
| Portfolio return (%) | 12 |
|---|---|
| Risk-free rate (%) | 4 |
| Market return (%) | 9 |
| Beta | 1.2 |
Results
| Jensen’s alpha | 2% |
|---|---|
| Expected return (CAPM) | 10% |
With these inputs the calculator returns Jensen’s alpha: 2%. Change any value in the calculator to see how the result moves.
What if you change one input?
Sensitivity check: raising Portfolio return (%) from 12 to 14.4 (about 20% higher) and leaving everything else as in the example above changes the results like this:
| Result | Example | After the change | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jensen’s alpha | 2% | 4.4% | +120% |
| Expected return (CAPM) | 10% | 10% | 0% |
The input that moves the result most is the one to check twice. Change it in the calculator above to test your own case.
What the results tell you
The results panel of the Jensen’s Alpha Calculator reports Jensen’s alpha and expected return (capm). Compare these figures while changing one input at a time, and use the related calculators below to look at the same situation from another angle.
Method and limits. This calculator applies the formula in the section above to your inputs, in your browser; nothing you enter is stored on our servers. Investment returns are not guaranteed. The result shows what the numbers you enter would produce, not what the market will do. It is for information, not financial, tax or legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive alpha mean?
The portfolio earned more than its risk level suggested.
What rate of return should I assume?
There is no guaranteed rate. Test a range of conservative and optimistic rates, and remember that fees and inflation reduce your real return.
Are investment returns guaranteed?
No. Real returns vary. Use these tools to compare scenarios, not to predict results.
Are the results guaranteed?
No. Results depend entirely on the numbers you enter and the formulas shown on this page. Please do not make financial decisions based on them alone; confirm important figures with a licensed professional.
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