Percentage change & break-even calculator
Three quick calculations: how much a price moved, how much it must rise to get back to even after a fall, and what price a given percentage move leads to.
Loss recovery table
| Loss | Gain needed to break even |
|---|---|
| −5% | +5.26% |
| −10% | +11.11% |
| −15% | +17.65% |
| −20% | +25% |
| −25% | +33.33% |
| −30% | +42.86% |
| −40% | +66.67% |
| −50% | +100% |
| −60% | +150% |
| −70% | +233.33% |
| −75% | +300% |
| −80% | +400% |
| −90% | +900% |
| −95% | +1,900% |
How it works
Losses and gains are not symmetrical. After a 50% fall the price has to double, a 100% gain, to get back to where it started, because the gain is measured from a lower base.
Formula
- Change = (new − original) ÷ original
- Gain to break even = 1 ÷ (1 − loss) − 1
- Target = original × (1 + change)
Example
A stock falls from 100 to 80: that is −20%. To get back to 100 it must rise 25% from 80.
FAQ
Why does a 50% loss need a 100% gain?
After the loss you have half of the original amount. Doubling half brings you back to the original, and doubling is a 100% gain.
Does this include fees or dividends?
No. It compares prices only.
Other calculators
Calculations only, not investment advice. Check fees, margin rates and contract specs with your broker or exchange.