REIT Calculator

Project REIT dividend income and total return with DRIP reinvestment and dividend growth.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: SEC

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Annual Dividend (Year 1)

$1,000.00

Monthly Income (Year 1)

$83.33

Projected Income (Year 10)

$1,838.46

Investment Summary

Shares Purchased500.00
Year 1 Annual Dividend$1,000.00
Year 1 Monthly Income$83.33
Yield on Cost (Year 10)7.64%

DRIP vs No DRIP Comparison

Without DRIP - Portfolio Value$33,597.91
Without DRIP - Total Return$20,061.79
With DRIP - Portfolio Value$49,178.78
With DRIP - Total Return$24,178.78
With DRIP - Total Shares731.87

DRIP Growth Over Time

Year 1$1,000.00/yr | $26,750.00 total
Year 2$1,070.00/yr | $28,622.50 total
Year 4$1,225.04/yr | $32,769.90 total
Year 6$1,402.55/yr | $37,518.26 total
Year 8$1,605.78/yr | $42,954.65 total
Year 10$1,838.46/yr | $49,178.78 total

REIT Notes

Distribution RequirementREITs must distribute 90%+ of taxable income
Tax TreatmentDividends typically taxed as ordinary income
TipHold REITs in tax-advantaged accounts when possible

Use the REIT Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Real estate investment trusts reward patient, income-minded investors, and seeing how a position might compound over time helps you judge whether your allocation is pulling its weight toward goals on the horizon, such as a target of 2026. The projection here layers in dividend reinvestment (DRIP) and rising future payouts so you can read both the income stream and the total return your holdings could generate.

A compounding model drives the numbers. Your initial investment buys a share count at the current price, and each year the annual dividend per share pays out. With DRIP turned on, those distributions buy more shares at the projected year-end price, which reflects the share price growth rate you assume. The dividend growth rate then lifts the per-share payout in following years, so the income figures build on themselves rather than staying flat.

Bear in mind that what a REIT did before tells you nothing certain about what it will do next, and both dividend growth and price appreciation here are assumptions, not promises. Aggressive growth inputs produce flattering but unreliable forecasts, so conservative figures give you a steadier read. Factor in the taxes owed on dividends as well, since they trim the amount actually available to reinvest.

Example: Investing in a REIT for Long-Term Growth

  1. 1 You invest $10,000 in a REIT today. The current share price is $50, the annual dividend per share is $2.00, and you anticipate a 3% annual dividend growth rate. You also expect a 5% annual share price growth and plan to reinvest all dividends (DRIP).
  2. 2 Initial shares purchased: $10,000 / $50 = 200 shares. By the end of 2026, assuming DRIP and growth, the calculator will project your total shares, total dividend income for that year, and the portfolio's market value.
  3. 3 By the end of 2026, your portfolio could be worth approximately $13,000, having generated around $650 in annual dividends that year, with your share count increasing to roughly 245 shares due to reinvestment.
  4. 4 This example demonstrates how consistent dividend reinvestment and modest growth can significantly boost your REIT portfolio over several years. The power of compounding, driven by both dividend and share price appreciation, becomes evident. You can then adjust your investment strategy based on these projections.

Source: SEC · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do REITs pay in dividends?
REITs must distribute at least 90% of taxable income to shareholders. Average REIT dividend yields in 2026 are 4-6%, with some specialty REITs yielding 7-10%. Mortgage REITs tend to yield higher than equity REITs but carry more risk.
Are REIT dividends taxed differently?
Most REIT dividends are taxed as ordinary income, not at the lower qualified dividend rate. However, the 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction under Section 199A may apply, effectively reducing the top rate on REIT dividends.
Should I hold REITs in a tax-advantaged account?
Yes, holding REITs in an IRA or 401(k) is often recommended because REIT dividends are taxed as ordinary income. In a Roth IRA, REIT dividends grow and are withdrawn completely tax-free.