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.

Percentage change

Gain needed to break even

Target price

Use a minus sign for a fall, e.g. −20

Loss recovery table

LossGain 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.