XIRR vs IRR: Which Return Metric Should You Use?
IRR and XIRR both estimate an investment's internal yield, but they handle timing differently. IRR assumes evenly spaced periods. XIRR uses exact calendar dates.
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Use IRR when each cash flow occurs at equal intervals, such as annual project forecasts. Use XIRR when contributions, distributions, capital calls, or exits happen on irregular dates.
IRR is best for model periods that are intentionally regular: year 0 investment, year 1 cash flow, year 2 cash flow, and so on.
XIRR is better for real transactions where timing changes the actual annualized yield.
Do not compare an annual IRR from regular periods against an XIRR from dated events unless the underlying cash flow timing is aligned.
Irregular private investment cash flows
A private investment may start with a $100,000 contribution, receive $18,000 after seven months, another $25,000 after 19 months, and exit after 41 months. A periodic IRR treats the gaps as equal. XIRR annualizes the actual day count, so the output better reflects the investor's realized timing.
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Is XIRR more accurate than IRR?
XIRR is more appropriate when cash flows are not evenly spaced. IRR is still valid for intentionally periodic models.
Can XIRR be negative?
Yes. If dated inflows do not recover the initial investment at a positive annualized yield, XIRR can be negative.
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