Back to results for “The Budgeting Process”
Budgeting & Forecasting › Capital Budgeting

What is a hurdle rate?

Beginner

Answer

The hurdle rate is the minimum acceptable rate of return a project must exceed to be approved, usually set at the cost of capital (or higher for riskier projects). Projects with an IRR above the hurdle rate (or positive NPV at that rate) are accepted; those below are rejected.
Real-world example Projects must beat the 12% hurdle rate to be approved for funding.

Common follow-ups: How is the hurdle rate set? | How is it used in decisions?