How much smaller should my position be for a stock with a beta above 1, given my normal risk-per-trade rule?
Enter Your Trade and Beta
Your Result
Enter your account, trade, and the stock's beta, then click Calculate to see both position sizes side by side.
How this is calculated
The standard position size is your normal dollar-risk sizing: account size times risk percent, divided by the per-share distance between your entry and stop.
For a beta above 1, this tool divides that standard size by the beta, since a stock that historically swings more than the benchmark carries more benchmark-relative risk at the same stop-based size.
For a beta of 1 or below, this tool does not increase the standard size. Beta is only one risk factor among many, and a low beta doesn't offset stock-specific risks like earnings, news, or liquidity.
Beta is calculated from historical price data over some past window and can change over time. A stock's future beta is not guaranteed to match its historical beta.
Risk & liability disclaimer: This calculator produces a mathematical estimate based on the numbers you enter. It is not financial advice and does not guarantee any trading outcome. Trading involves risk of loss, and past position sizing decisions do not predict future results. Trading Habits is not a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, or tax professional, and is not affiliated with any broker, exchange, or data provider. We do not guarantee this tool is error-free or suitable for your situation - always verify results independently and consult a licensed professional before making any trading or financial decision. You could lose some or all of the capital you trade with.
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Beta is one input into position sizing, not the whole picture. These tools round out the risk math.