# Stock Calculator (Profit and Return)

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/finance/stock-profit/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The stock calculator works out the profit or loss on buying and selling shares, including buying and selling commissions (as a fixed amount or percentage), the return on investment and the break-even selling price.

## Inputs

- Number of shares
- Buying price per share
- Buying commission type
- Buying commission
- Selling price per share
- Selling commission type
- Selling commission
- Tax on the gain (%)

## Results

- Net buying price
- Net selling price
- Profit
- Return on investment (ROI)
- Break-even selling price
- Profit after tax

## Formula

```
Net buying cost = shares × buy price + buy commission
Net selling proceeds = shares × sell price − sell commission
Profit = proceeds − cost; ROI = profit ÷ cost
Break-even price = (cost + sell commission) ÷ shares
```

## Explanation

Commissions and fees reduce returns, especially on small trades. Knowing your break-even price helps you set realistic sell targets.

### How to use the Stock Calculator

- **Number of shares**
- **Buying price per share**
- **Buying commission type**
- **Buying commission**
- **Selling price per share**
- **Selling commission type**
- **Selling commission**
- **Tax on the gain**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Enter the number of shares, the buying and selling prices and commissions.

### Tips

- Take figures from the same financial statements and the same fiscal year.
- Compare ratios with companies in the same industry, not across industries.
- Use several valuation measures together; no single ratio tells the whole story.
- Market prices change every second – refresh the share price before you rely on a result.

### Common mistakes to avoid

- Mixing per-share figures with company totals.
- Using trailing earnings for one company and forward earnings for another.
- Forgetting dilution from options and convertible securities.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterNumber of sharesA numberBuying price per shareAmount in your currencyBuying commission typeChoose one: Fixed amount, PercentageBuying commissionA numberSelling price per shareAmount in your currencySelling commission typeChoose one: Fixed amount, PercentageSelling commissionA numberTax on the gainIn %

### What each result means

- **Profit** = [Net selling price] - [Net buying price]
- **Return on investment (ROI)** = [Profit]÷[Net buying price]×100

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Number of shares** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Number of sharesProfit50390755901007901259901501,1902001,590

## Worked example

Inputs — Number of shares: 100; Buying price per share: $40; Buying commission type: Fixed amount; Buying commission: 5; Selling price per share: $48; Selling commission type: Fixed amount; Selling commission: 5; Tax on the gain: 0 %.

Results — Net buying price = $4,005.00; Net selling price = $4,795.00; **Profit = $790.00**; Return on investment (ROI) = 19.73 %; Break-even selling price = $40.10; Profit after tax = $790.00.

## FAQ

**How do I calculate stock profit?**
(Sell price × shares − sell fees) − (buy price × shares + buy fees).

**What is the break-even price?**
The selling price that exactly covers your cost and commissions.

**Are stock profits taxed?**
Usually, as capital gains when you sell.

**What formula does the Stock Calculator use?**
Net buying cost = shares × buy price + buy commission.


## Sources

- [U.S. SEC – Investor.gov compound interest and investing basics](https://www.investor.gov/)