Work out what a closed stock trade made or lost, long or short, after commissions, and the return on the money it tied up.
Profit or loss after costs
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Return on the position
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Before costs
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Position size at entry
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Move per share
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How it works
A long trade makes money when the exit is above the entry; a short trade makes money when it is below. Multiply the move per share by the number of shares, then take off what the trade cost to run.
The return compares that result with the money the trade tied up at the entry price, so trades of different sizes can be compared.
The formula
Long: Profit = (Exit − Entry) × Shares − Fees
Short: Profit = (Entry − Exit) × Shares − Fees
Return = Profit ÷ (Entry × Shares)
Worked example
Buying 100 shares at $50 and selling at $57.50 makes $7.50 a share, $750 before costs. After $2 of commissions the profit is $748, a 14.96% return on the $5,000 position.
Trade Profit and Loss questions
How is a short trade calculated?
A short sells first and buys back later, so it profits when the price falls. Pick Short and the calculator flips the sign for you.
Does this include taxes?
No. Taxes depend on how long you held the position and where you live, so they are left out.
Why is my return different from my broker?
Brokers sometimes measure return on margin used rather than the full position, or include dividends. This page uses the full position value at entry.
For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice, and not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Results are estimates from the numbers you enter.