Stock Profit Calculator
Calculate stock profit with our free Stock profit Calculator. Compare rates, see projections, and make informed financial decisions.
Formula
Profit = (Sell Price × Shares - Commission) - (Buy Price × Shares + Commission)
Where Sell Price = price per share at sale, Buy Price = price per share at purchase, Shares = number of shares traded, Commission = brokerage fee per trade. Percentage return is calculated as (Profit / Total Buy Cost) × 100. Profit per share is Total Profit divided by number of shares.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Profitable Stock Trade
Problem: You bought 200 shares of a tech stock at $45 per share and sold at $68 per share. Commission is $9.99 per trade. What is the profit?
Solution: Total buy cost: 200 x $45 + $9.99 = $9,009.99\nTotal sell revenue: 200 x $68 - $9.99 = $13,590.01\nTotal profit: $13,590.01 - $9,009.99 = $4,580.02\nPercentage return: ($4,580.02 / $9,009.99) x 100 = 50.83%\nProfit per share: $4,580.02 / 200 = $22.90
Result: Total Profit: $4,580.02 | Return: 50.83% | Profit Per Share: $22.90
Example 2: Stock Trade with a Loss
Problem: You bought 150 shares at $120 per share and had to sell at $95 per share. Commission is $9.99 per trade.
Solution: Total buy cost: 150 x $120 + $9.99 = $18,009.99\nTotal sell revenue: 150 x $95 - $9.99 = $14,240.01\nTotal loss: $14,240.01 - $18,009.99 = -$3,769.98\nPercentage return: (-$3,769.98 / $18,009.99) x 100 = -20.93%\nLoss per share: -$3,769.98 / 150 = -$25.13
Result: Total Loss: -$3,769.98 | Return: -20.93% | Loss Per Share: -$25.13
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate stock profit or loss?
Stock profit or loss is calculated by subtracting your total cost basis from your total sale proceeds. The cost basis includes the purchase price multiplied by the number of shares plus any commissions or fees paid when buying. Sale proceeds equal the sell price multiplied by the number of shares minus any selling commissions. The formula is: Profit = (Sell Price x Shares - Sell Commission) - (Buy Price x Shares + Buy Commission). For example, if you bought 100 shares at $50 with a $10 commission and sold at $75 with a $10 commission, your profit is ($7,500 - $10) - ($5,000 + $10) = $7,490 - $5,010 = $2,480. Remember to account for taxes on any gains.
What is the difference between realized and unrealized profit?
Realized profit (or loss) occurs when you actually sell a stock and lock in the gain or loss. This triggers a taxable event in most jurisdictions. Unrealized profit (also called a paper gain) is the theoretical profit you would make if you sold the stock at its current market price, but since you have not sold, no tax liability is created. For example, if you bought shares at $50 and they are currently trading at $75, your unrealized gain is $25 per share. If the price drops to $60 before you sell, your realized gain when you finally sell would only be $10 per share. This distinction is crucial for tax planning and portfolio management, as you have control over when to realize gains or losses.
How are stock trading commissions structured?
Stock trading commissions vary by broker and have changed dramatically over the years. Many major online brokers like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and Robinhood now offer commission-free trading for US-listed stocks and ETFs. However, commissions still exist in several scenarios: options trades may charge $0.50-$0.65 per contract, international stocks may incur fees of $1-$50 per trade, broker-assisted trades typically cost $20-$50, and some specialized brokers charge per-share fees (e.g., $0.005 per share with minimums). Even with zero-commission brokers, there are hidden costs like payment for order flow, wider bid-ask spreads, and regulatory fees (typically fractions of a cent per share). Always check your broker's fee schedule for the complete cost picture.
How do taxes affect stock trading profits?
In the United States, stock trading profits are subject to capital gains taxes. Short-term capital gains (stocks held less than one year) are taxed as ordinary income, which can range from 10% to 37% depending on your tax bracket. Long-term capital gains (stocks held more than one year) benefit from preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your taxable income. Additionally, high earners may pay an extra 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax. You can offset gains with losses through tax-loss harvesting — if you have a $5,000 gain and a $3,000 loss, you only pay tax on $2,000. If your losses exceed gains, you can deduct up to $3,000 per year against ordinary income and carry forward remaining losses. Consider holding periods and tax implications before selling.
Can I share or bookmark my calculation?
You can bookmark the calculator page in your browser. Many calculators also display a shareable result summary you can copy. The page URL stays the same so returning to it will bring you back to the same tool.
Is Stock Profit Calculator free to use?
Yes, completely free with no sign-up required. All calculators on NovaCalculator are free to use without registration, subscription, or payment.