How to use the Stock Profit
- Enter the number of shares and the purchase price.
- Enter the sale price and the commission on each side.
- Read the net profit, percentage return and break-even price.
- Add any dividends received to the total return.
How the calculation works
Total cost is shares × buy price plus the buy commission; proceeds are shares × sell price minus the sell commission. Profit is the difference, and the percentage return divides that by total cost rather than by the share price alone. Break-even is the price at which proceeds exactly cover cost including both commissions — always above the purchase price, and meaningfully so on small positions.
Two things sit outside the arithmetic. Dividends received during the holding period belong in total return and are often the larger part of it over long horizons. And capital gains tax applies on realised profits in most jurisdictions, at rates that commonly depend on holding period and total income, so the after-tax figure can differ substantially from the gross gain shown here.
Profit = (shares × sell − sell fee) − (shares × buy + buy fee) ; break-even = (cost total + sell fee) / sharesSource: Standard trade accounting. VERIFY capital gains treatment in your jurisdiction — rates and holding-period rules vary.
Worked example
Buying 160 shares at 43.20 with a 9.95 commission, selling at 51.80 with the same commission.
- Cost = 160 × 43.20 + 9.95 = 6,921.95.
- Proceeds = 160 × 51.80 − 9.95 = 8,278.05.
- Profit = 1,356.10; return = 1,356.10 / 6,921.95 = 19.6%.
- Break-even = (6,921.95 + 9.95) / 160 = 43.32.
A net gain of 1,356.10, a 19.6% return, with a break-even sale price of 43.32 against the 43.20 paid.
Frequently asked questions
Why is break-even above my purchase price?+
Because both commissions must be recovered before you are level. On small positions with flat fees, that gap can be several percent.
Should dividends be included?+
Yes, in total return. Over long holding periods reinvested dividends often account for a large share of the overall gain.
How is tax handled?+
Realised gains are generally taxable, often at rates depending on holding period and income. This calculation shows the pre-tax result, so budget for the liability separately.
Does the percentage return account for time?+
No — it is the raw return over the holding period. Annualise it before comparing trades held for different lengths of time.
Last reviewed August 31, 2026. We review this page whenever the underlying formula, tax year, published rate or standard changes.