All versions
Financial
The Excel XIRR function returns the internal rate of return for cash flows on irregular, actual dates.
Quick answer:
=XIRR(B2:B6, A2:A6) // annualized return
Syntax
=XIRR(values, dates, [guess])
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
values | Required | Cash flows with at least one negative and one positive. |
dates | Required | The actual date of each cash flow. |
guess | Optional | Starting estimate (default 10%). |
How to use it
XIRR returns the internal rate of return for cash flows on irregular, actual dates.
=XIRR(values, dates) // date-accurate IRR
Try it: interactive demo
Live demo
This is the formula pattern XIRR uses — copy it into Excel with your own numbers.
Result: computed in Excel
Practice workbook
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Frequently asked questions
XIRR vs IRR?
XIRR handles real, unevenly spaced dates; IRR assumes equal periods.
Why #NUM!?
No sign change in the values, or it didn’t converge — add a guess.
Which Excel versions support it?
All modern versions.
Why might it return #NUM! or #VALUE!?
Out-of-range arguments (e.g. negative rate or settlement after maturity) give #NUM!; non-numeric inputs give #VALUE!.
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