What position size does the Kelly Criterion recommend based on my win rate and win/loss ratio?
Enter Your Trade Stats
Your Result
Fill in your win rate, average win, and average loss, then click Calculate to see your full, half, and quarter Kelly position size.
How this is calculated
Formula: Kelly fraction equals your win rate minus (1 minus your win rate) divided by your payoff ratio, where the payoff ratio is your average win divided by your average loss.
Full Kelly sizing is mathematically optimal for long-term account growth but produces steep equity swings. Half Kelly and quarter Kelly trade away some growth rate for meaningfully less volatility, which is why most traders who use Kelly at all use a fraction of it.
If your average win and average loss come from a small sample of trades, the Kelly fraction is only as reliable as those numbers. Recalculate as your trade history grows.
This calculator does not cap the output. If the math returns an aggressive number, treat that as a reason to lean toward quarter Kelly or a flat percent-risk model, not a signal to size up.
Pair this with the Risk of Ruin Calculator to see how a specific risk-per-trade percentage performs across a long series of trades before you commit to a number.
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 performance. 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.
Size With the Math, Not the Mood
More Trading Tools
Related tools for turning a win rate and payoff ratio into an actual, sustainable position size.