Cap Rate Calculator

Capitalization rate compares a property's annual net operating income with its value, helping you screen rental properties quickly. This page also keeps the formula, examples, FAQs, and references close by so you can check the result with confidence.

What This Cap Rate Calculator Helps You Do

Cap rate equals net operating income divided by property value, usually shown as a percentage. Review the formula and examples below if you want to see how the result is derived.

This page is meant to give you a fast answer, but it also helps you double-check the math before you make a decision. Start with the inputs that you already know, run the calculation, and then compare the output with the formula, examples, and FAQs below so you can see whether the answer fits the situation you are modeling.

If the result looks off, the usual causes are a unit mismatch, a missing decimal, the wrong scenario, or a value that needs to be entered as a rate instead of a total. The notes on this page are designed to make those checks easy without forcing you to leave the calculator and search for context elsewhere.

  • Use the calculator first for a quick estimate.
  • Use the formula to understand how the result is built.
  • Use the examples to compare common use cases.
  • Use the references when the answer depends on a standard or assumption.

Common Checks

A quick result is useful, but the best result is one that still makes sense when you look at it a second time. If you are comparing scenarios, try changing one input at a time so you can see which variable has the biggest impact on the final answer. That makes it much easier to spot whether the calculation matches your expectations.

It also helps to keep the context of the problem in mind. A calculator can tell you the math, but you still need to decide whether the input represents a total, a rate, an average, or a category-specific assumption. When in doubt, start with a simple example from the page and scale up from there.

  • Check that every unit matches the rest of the problem.
  • Keep rates, totals, and averages separate.
  • Adjust one variable at a time when testing scenarios.
  • Use the smallest realistic input first, then scale upward.

Scenario Planning

This calculator is especially useful when you want a quick answer before you commit time, money, or effort. Try one baseline input set, then change a single number and compare the result so you can see how sensitive the answer is to that variable.

That makes the page useful for more than just arithmetic. It becomes a small decision aid that helps you compare options, test assumptions, and explain the final number with confidence when you need to share it with someone else.

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Result

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Quick Answer: Cap rate equals net operating income divided by property value, usually shown as a percentage. Review the formula and examples below if you want to see how the result is derived.

How to Calculate Cap Rate Calculator

  1. Enter the property value: Use the purchase price or market value of the asset.
  2. Add annual income and expenses: Include vacancy and operating expenses to estimate NOI.
  3. Read the cap rate: The result shows the annual return as a percentage.

Cap Rate Calculator Formula

Cap rate = net operating income / property value
Variable Meaning Unit
Property value The current or purchase value of the property $
Annual gross income Total rent received over a year $
Operating expenses Annual expenses as a percentage of income %

Worked Examples

USA - Rental property screening
  • Property value: $200,000
  • Annual gross income: $30,000
  • Operating expenses: 20%
  • Vacancy: 2%

Result: 11.76%

This matches Omni's example of a well-performing rental property.

UK - Value from income
  • Property value: $0
  • Annual gross income: $33,600
  • Cap rate: 9.7%

Result: $346,392 estimated value

You can divide net income by the market cap rate to estimate sale price.

EU - Commercial property
  • Property value: $500,000
  • Annual gross income: $60,000
  • Operating expenses: 25%
  • Vacancy: 5%

Result: 8.55%

Higher expenses and vacancy reduce the cap rate.

How to Interpret Your Results

Range Meaning Action
Lower cap rate The property is priced more aggressively Check whether the income supports the valuation.
Typical cap rate The property is in a common screening range Compare with local market deals.
Higher cap rate The property may generate stronger cash return Review risks, repairs, and vacancy assumptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Net operating income is income after vacancy and operating expenses, but before debt service and taxes.

No. Cap rate is an unlevered measure and ignores financing.

A good rate depends on risk and location, but higher is not always better.
Planning note: Cap rates are screening tools. They do not replace a full underwriting or financing analysis.

References

Last reviewed: March 2026