You enter the buy price per share, sell price per share, number of shares, and any buy and sell commissions. The tool computes cost basis as (buy price × shares) + buy commission, gross proceeds as sell price × shares, and net proceeds after the sell commission. Gain or loss is net proceeds minus cost basis, and return is that gain divided by cost basis. It does not account for dividends, taxes, or holding period.
No. This shows pre-tax realized gain only. Short-term gains (held under one year) are taxed as ordinary income; long-term gains (held over one year) get preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your income. Consult your 1099-B and a tax professional.
If you sell at a loss and repurchase the same or a substantially identical security within 30 days before or after, the IRS disallows the loss deduction. Your broker tracks this and reports it on your 1099-B.
If your broker charges zero commissions (common with most major U.S. brokers since 2019), leave the commission fields at zero. The calculator still works — cost basis will simply be buy price times shares.
Yes. Enter the exact number of shares including decimals (e.g., 2.5 shares). The math works the same way for fractional and whole-share trades.
No. This calculator measures price-based return only. If you received dividends during the holding period, your total return is higher than what this tool shows. Add dividend income separately for a complete picture.
Estimate only. Results reflect your inputs and standard formulas — they are not financial, tax, legal, health, or investment advice. Verify important decisions with a qualified professional.