Trading Calculators

Break-even Calculator

A -50% loss needs a +100% gain. See at a glance the gain required to break even for each loss rate.

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Enter your values and press Calculate

Gain needed to break even

The asymmetry of losses

A −50% loss is not recovered by +50%

The bigger the loss, the more steeply the gain needed to break even grows. That is why your stop-loss rule matters.

Enter the loss rate
Enter your current loss rate or move the slider.
Calculate by price
Enter your average price and the current price to see the recovery price and required gain right away.
Recovery time
Assume an annual return and see how many years it takes to break even.

Required gain = 1 / (1 − loss rate) − 1

−10% needs +11.1%, −30% needs +42.9%, −50% needs +100% and −80% needs +400%.

FAQ

Why does recovering a loss need a bigger percentage gain?

Because the gain is calculated on the reduced amount. If KRW 1 million falls to KRW 500,000, it must rise 100% of KRW 500,000 to get back to KRW 1 million.

Does averaging down reduce the gain needed?

When your average price falls, the gain needed to break even shrinks. In exchange, the amount you have invested grows. Check both in the Averaging-down Calculator.

How much are selling costs?

As of 2026, the securities transaction tax (including the Special Tax for Rural Development) on selling Korean stocks is 0.20% for both KOSPI and KOSDAQ, plus brokerage commissions on top.

Results are estimates based on your inputs and simplified assumptions, and are for reference only, not a basis for investment decisions.

Last updated: November 2, 2026