Finance

Stock Gain or Loss Calculator

Calculate gain or loss from buying and selling shares, including fees.

The result shows the gain or loss in dollars and the return as a percentage before tax, so a positive gain means the sale covered the purchase cost and fees, while a negative figure means a loss.

Formula

Gain equals shares times sell price minus shares times buy price minus fees.

How it works

This is a pre-tax gain. Short-term and long-term tax treatment differ by country, so the after-tax result will be lower where capital gains tax applies.

Worked example

For example, 100 shares bought at $20 and sold at $28 with $10 in fees give a gain of $790.00, since 100 × $28 − 100 × $20 − $10 = $790.00, a return of 39.50% before tax.

FAQs

Does it include dividends?
No — add dividends received to the gain separately.

What if the result is negative?
That is a loss, which may offset gains elsewhere under local tax rules.

Why include fees?
Broker fees reduce the real gain, sometimes significantly on small trades.

Are these figures financial advice?
No — they are estimates for planning only, not financial advice. Check with a qualified adviser for decisions involving large sums.

Estimates only, not financial advice. Figures are approximate and do not include all fees, taxes, or changing rates unless stated.

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