Ready to underwrite smarter?Join waitlist

Free Real Estate Calculators

Best-in-class tools for investors. No signup required

Cash-on-Cash Return

Measure your annual return relative to the cash invested.

Parcel Platform
Mar 4, 2026
Cash-on-Cash Return
Purchase $300,000 • Rent $2,200/mo
Cash-on-Cash Return
-3.01%
Monthly Cash Flow
-$207
Total Cash Invested
$82,500
Monthly Mortgage (P&I)
$1,497
DSCR
0.86
Break-even Rent
$2,418
Targets: required rent for cash-on-cash
Required Monthly Rent
$2,997
Required Monthly Cash Flow
$550

What is Cash-on-Cash?

Cash-on-cash return (CoC) is a rate of return metric that measures the annual pre-tax cash flow relative to the total cash invested in a property. Unlike cap rate, it accounts for financing and shows the actual return on your out-of-pocket investment.

Formula
Cash-on-Cash Return = (Annual Cash Flow ÷ Total Cash Invested) × 100%

How this calculator works

Cash-on-cash return measures annual cash flow relative to the cash you invest (down payment + closing + rehab). It's a fast way to compare leveraged rental deals.

What it includes
  • Cash-on-cash return
  • DSCR (simple)
  • Break-even rent estimate
  • Target CoC rent guidance
How to use it
  1. Enter the total cash you’ll invest (down payment, closing costs, rehab).
  2. Model rent, vacancy, operating expenses, and financing terms.
  3. Use CoC to compare deals with similar risk profiles — then stress test.

FAQ

What’s a “good” cash-on-cash return?
It depends on risk and market. Many investors target 8–12%+ for stabilized rentals, but DSCR and long-term appreciation expectations matter too.
Does cash-on-cash include principal paydown?
No. CoC focuses on cash flow. Principal paydown increases equity but isn’t counted in annual cash flow.
Ready for the full platform?

Go beyond calculators. Get automated underwriting, AI-powered comps, renovation estimates, and branded PDF reports.

Join waitlist 5 free analyses, no card required

Ready for the full picture?

These calculators are just the start. Get AI-powered analysis, professional reports, and a complete underwriting workflow.