Sharpe Ratio

(r_p − r_f)/σ_p.
Created by
Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
Reviewed by
Renato Passos, Eng. de Software

Last updated: Apr 18, 2026

Sharpe
0,75

About this calculator

The Simple Sharpe Ratio Calculator is a financial tool that helps evaluate the performance of an investment, considering the risk involved. It calculates the Sharpe Ratio, a measure that relates an investment's return to the risk taken, expressed by the volatility of returns. The calculation is done by subtracting the risk-free rate of return (r_f) from the investment return (r_p) and dividing the result by the standard deviation of the investment's returns (σ_p).

The Sharpe Ratio is a formula developed by William F. Sharpe that helps investors understand whether an investment's return is due to a good strategy or just the risk taken. The higher the Sharpe Ratio, the better the investment performance relative to the risk. This means the investment generated excess return relative to the risk-free rate, adjusted for investment risk.

Using the Simple Sharpe Ratio Calculator is recommended for investors who want to evaluate the efficiency of their investment portfolios. It is especially useful when choosing between different investment options, allowing for a more accurate comparison based on risk and return. However, it's essential to remember that the Sharpe Ratio considers only volatility as a measure of risk, which may not capture all types of risk present in an investment.

When using the calculator, it's crucial to keep some precautions in mind, such as the accuracy of the input data. Returns should be reported at a consistent rate (e.g., per year), and the standard deviation should reflect the historical volatility of the investment. Additionally, the choice of the risk-free rate should be consistent with the investor's profile and the investment time horizon.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Sharpe Ratio?

The Sharpe Ratio is a measure that evaluates an investment's performance relative to the risk taken. It is calculated as (r_p - r_f) / σ_p, where r_p is the investment return, r_f is the risk-free rate of return, and σ_p is the standard deviation of the investment's returns.

How to interpret the Sharpe Ratio?

A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better investment performance relative to risk. A value above 1 is generally considered good, while a value below 0 indicates that the investment is not offering excess return relative to the risk-free rate.

What are the limitations of the Sharpe Ratio?

The Sharpe Ratio considers only volatility as a measure of risk and does not capture other types of risk, such as credit risk or liquidity risk. Additionally, it is sensitive to the choice of the risk-free rate and the time period considered.

How to use the Simple Sharpe Ratio Calculator?

Just enter the investment return, risk-free rate of return, and standard deviation of the investment's returns in the corresponding fields and click calculate.

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