Calculator
Use the form below to estimate the sell price needed to recover costs and reach your chosen profit target.
Example data table
Use these sample values to test the calculator and compare different investment structures.
| Scenario | Units | Buy Price | Entry Fixed | Entry % | Entry Tax | Other Entry | Holding | Dividends | Other Income | Exit Fixed | Exit % | Exit Tax % | Target Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative ETF | 120 | 42.5 | 18 | 0.4 | 12 | 8 | 25 | 72 | 0 | 18 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 150 |
| Dividend Stock | 80 | 63.2 | 12 | 0.35 | 9.5 | 4.5 | 18 | 96 | 0 | 12 | 0.35 | 0.1 | 200 |
| Growth Stock | 50 | 108 | 10 | 0.5 | 15 | 5 | 22 | 20 | 0 | 10 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 350 |
| Index Fund | 200 | 27.8 | 20 | 0.25 | 6 | 3 | 16 | 55 | 0 | 20 | 0.25 | 0.05 | 175 |
Formula used
1. Entry gross value
Entry Gross = Quantity × Purchase Price
2. Entry variable fee
Entry Variable Fee = Entry Gross × Entry Fee %
3. Total entry cost
Total Entry Cost = Entry Gross + Entry Variable Fee + Entry Fixed Fee + Entry Tax + Other Entry Costs
4. Adjusted cost basis
Adjusted Cost Basis = Total Entry Cost + Holding Costs − Dividends Received − Other Income
5. Required net proceeds
Required Net Proceeds = Adjusted Cost Basis + Target Profit
6. Effective exit rate
Effective Exit Rate = Exit Fee % + Exit Tax %
7. Break-even sell price per unit
Break-even Sell Price = (Required Net Proceeds + Exit Fixed Fee) ÷ [Quantity × (1 − Effective Exit Rate)]
8. Current profit or loss
Current Profit/Loss = Current Net Proceeds − Adjusted Cost Basis
How to use this calculator
- Enter the number of units you purchased and the original price per unit.
- Add entry costs such as broker fees, taxes, and any other purchase charges.
- Include holding costs and subtract income like dividends or other cash offsets.
- Set your expected exit fees, exit taxes, and desired target profit.
- Optionally enter the current market price to compare your live position.
- Click the calculate button to see break-even price, proceeds, profit gap, and the chart.
FAQs
1. What does break-even mean in investing?
Break-even is the sale level where your net proceeds fully recover purchase costs, holding costs, and exit charges. Profit starts only above that level.
2. Why include dividends in the calculation?
Dividends reduce the amount you still need to recover from selling. They act like cash inflows that lower your adjusted cost basis.
3. Should I include taxes and broker charges?
Yes. Ignoring trading costs can understate the true exit price you need. This calculator includes both fixed and percentage-based charges.
4. Can target profit be zero?
Yes. A zero target profit shows the pure break-even point. Any positive target raises the required sell price above strict cost recovery.
5. What are holding costs?
Holding costs may include financing charges, custody fees, advisory fees, or any carrying cost related to keeping the investment open.
6. Does this work for stocks, ETFs, and funds?
Yes. It suits most unit-based investments where entry cost, exit cost, and income offsets can be estimated clearly.
7. What does margin of safety show here?
It compares the current market price with your break-even price. A positive value suggests room above break-even; a negative value shows a shortfall.
8. Is the result guaranteed?
No. It is an estimate based on the assumptions you enter. Real execution prices, taxes, and fees can differ from planned values.