The stock profit calculator computes your actual gain or loss from a stock trade, accounting for the buy price, sell price, number of shares, brokerage commissions, and estimated capital gains tax. It shows both absolute profit and percentage return, plus annualized ROI for comparing investments held for different periods.
Stock profit = (Sell Price × Shares − Sell Commission) − (Buy Price × Shares + Buy Commission). This gives your gross profit. After capital gains tax, the remaining amount is your net profit.
Capital gains tax depends on how long you held the stock. Short-term (under 1 year): taxed as ordinary income (10-37%). Long-term (over 1 year): taxed at preferential rates (0%, 15%, or 20%). This difference can significantly impact your net return.
Annualized return normalizes performance across different holding periods. A 50% return in 1 year is much better than 50% over 5 years (equivalent to 8.4% annualized). Always compare annualized returns when evaluating different investments.
Reach for this tool whenever a financial decision hinges on this type of calculation. Small differences in rate or term become large differences in total cost or return over multi-year horizons — differences that only become visible when you run the actual numbers.
Many financial calculation errors stem from omitting ancillary costs: fees, taxes, insurance, or maintenance. The headline figure (interest rate, monthly payment) is rarely the complete cost of a financial product.
A small business owner compares two financing options for new equipment: a 5-year bank loan at 5.2% versus a leasing arrangement with a monthly fee. The calculator translates both into a total cost figure, making the comparison straightforward.
Stock Profit Formula
Net Profit = (Sell Price − Buy Price) × Shares − Buy Commission − Sell Commission − Capital Gains Tax
ROI = Net Profit ÷ Total Cost × 100. Annualized ROI = ((1 + ROI)^(1/years) − 1) × 100.
Bought 100 shares of AAPL at
Result: Net profit: $3,825 (25.5% net return). Annualized return: 16.6% per year. If held < 1 year at 24% bracket: $3,420 net (22.8%).
Profit = (Sell Price − Buy Price) × Number of Shares − Commissions. Then subtract capital gains tax for net profit.
Short-term (held < 1 year): 10-37% based on income bracket. Long-term (held > 1 year): 0% (income under $47,025), 15% ($47,025-$518,900), or 20% (above $518,900) for single filers.
Annualized return converts any holding period to a yearly equivalent. Formula: ((1 + total return)^(1/years) − 1) × 100. This lets you compare a 2-year and a 5-year investment fairly.
Yes. Total return includes both price appreciation and dividends received. Use our dividend calculator for detailed dividend income projections.