How many shares do I need to sell at my target to make the rest of my position risk-free?
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Fill in the fields on the left and click Calculate to see how many shares to sell at your target so the remaining shares carry no risk if your stop moves to breakeven.
How this is calculated
Risk per share is the distance between your entry price and your stop-loss price. Profit per share at your target is the distance between your entry price and your target price.
Total dollar risk on the full position equals risk per share multiplied by total shares. Shares to sell at target equals total dollar risk divided by profit per share at target, rounded up to the next whole share so the sale fully covers the original risk.
This assumes that once you sell the calculated shares at your target, you move the stop on the remaining "runner" shares to your entry price (breakeven). At that point, the worst case on the runner is a scratch, not a loss, ignoring commissions and slippage.
If the shares to sell at target would be more than your total position, your target is too close to your entry relative to your stop distance to fully self-insure the trade with a single partial exit. You would need a wider target, a tighter stop, or a different plan.
This is a mechanical, math-only calculation of a common scaling technique. It doesn't account for slippage, commissions, or a stop failing to fill at your intended breakeven price during a fast 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. A stop-loss order is not a guarantee of execution at the stated price, and a stock can gap through any stop at any time. Trading involves risk of loss. 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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