How far does the price need to move just to cover my commission and fees before I am at breakeven?
Enter Your Trade Costs
Your Result
Fill in the fields on the left and click Calculate to see the price move needed to cover round-trip costs.
How this is calculated
Total round-trip cost equals your commission plus your estimated slippage per share multiplied by your share count.
The price move needed equals total round-trip cost divided by your share count, then applied in the direction that gets you back to flat: up for a long trade, down for a short trade.
This is a per-share stock or ETF calculation. For options, multiply your commission by the number of contracts and use the option premium in place of the stock price, since one contract usually represents 100 shares.
This is a separate question from the win rate you need to break even, and from what percent of a specific profit target your costs consume. Both of those are linked below if you want that view instead.
Very small accounts and very frequent traders are hit hardest by this math, since fixed commissions matter more relative to a small expected price move.
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 results 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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