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Updated April 20, 2026 · Investing · Educational use only ·

Growing Perpetuity Calculator

Perpetuity value with growing cash flows.

Calculate the present value of a growing perpetuity using the Gordon formula, from the first-year cash flow, growth rate, and discount rate.

What this tool does

This calculator applies the Gordon growing perpetuity formula to estimate the present value of an infinite stream of cash flows that grow at a constant rate each period. It divides your first-year cash flow by the spread between your discount rate and growth rate. The result represents what that perpetual, growing income stream is worth in today's terms. The discount rate—reflecting your required return or cost of capital—and growth rate are the primary drivers of the valuation; small changes in either can significantly shift the outcome. A common scenario involves valuing a mature dividend-paying entity or a long-term lease with annual increases. Note that this model assumes cash flows continue indefinitely at a stable growth rate, which rarely holds in practice. The calculator is for educational illustration and does not account for inflation, tax treatment, or market disruption.


Enter Values

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Formula Used
First year cash flow
Discount rate (entered as a percentage value)
Growth rate (entered as a percentage value)

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Disclaimer

Results are estimates for educational purposes only. They do not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

5,000 first-year cash flow growing 3% annually, 8% discount: PV = 5,000 / (0.08 - 0.03) = 100,000. Formula requires growth below discount rate. Used in Gordon dividend model and DCF terminal values.

Quick example

With first year cash flow of 5,000 and growth rate of 3% (plus discount rate of 8%), the result is 100,000.00. Change any figure and watch the output shift — it's often more useful to see the pattern than to memorise the formula.

Which inputs matter most

You enter First Year Cash Flow, Growth Rate, and Discount Rate. Not every input has equal weight. Adjusting one input at a time toward extreme values shows which ones move the result most.

What's happening under the hood

Gordon growing perpetuity formula. The formula is listed in full below. If the number looks off, you can retrace the calculation by hand — that's the point of showing the working.

Why investors run this

Most people's intuition for compounding is wrong — not because the math is hard, but because linear thinking doesn't account for curves. Running numbers through a calculator like this one is the cheapest way to recalibrate that intuition before making an irreversible decision about contribution rate, asset mix, or retirement age.

What this doesn't capture

Steady-rate math ignores real-world volatility. Actual returns are lumpy; sequence-of-returns risk matters most in drawdown; fees and taxes drag on compound growth; and behaviour changes in drawdowns can reduce outcomes below the projection. The number represents one scenario rather than a forecast.

Where to go next

This calculation rarely sits alone in a planning exercise. If you're running these numbers, you'll probably also want the perpetuity value calculator, the gordon growth model calculator, and the asset growth projection calculator — each one answers a different question in the same territory. Treating them as a set rather than in isolation usually produces a more honest picture.

Example Scenario

A perpetuity with £5,000 initial cash flow growing at 3% annually and discounted at 8% has a present value of 100,000.00.

Inputs

First Year Cash Flow:£5,000
Growth Rate:3
Discount Rate:8
Expected Result100,000.00

This example uses typical values for illustration. Adjust the inputs above to match a specific situation and see how the result changes.

Sources & Methodology

Methodology

The calculator applies the Gordon growth model for perpetuities, which values a stream of cash flows that grow at a constant rate indefinitely. It divides the first-year cash flow by the spread between the discount rate and the growth rate. This computation assumes cash flows begin in year one, grow at a steady percentage each period, and continue forever without interruption. The model treats both rates as constant over time and does not account for fees, taxes, inflation adjustments beyond the growth rate specified, or changes in market conditions. Results are sensitive to the inputs—particularly when the growth rate approaches the discount rate, small changes produce large value swings. The formula is most suitable for mature businesses or assets with predictable, stable growth characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Growth must be below discount?
Yes — otherwise formula gives negative or infinite result. Economic meaning: growth exceeding discount rate means infinite value.
Dividend stock use?
Gordon model values stock as growing perpetuity of dividends. Works for stable, mature dividend payers.
Long-term growth cap?
Cannot exceed GDP growth indefinitely. 3-5% nominal long-term cap reasonable.
Terminal value sensitivity?
DCF terminal values very sensitive — small growth rate change can alter valuation 30-50%. Use ranges.

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