Position Sizing Calculator

One of the most important questions in investing — how many shares or contracts should I buy? Enter your account size and risk tolerance and find out exactly.

All calculators

Enter your trade details

Fill in the fields below then click Calculate.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter your total account size — the total value of your trading account
  2. Set your risk per trade — the percentage of your account you are willing to lose on this one trade. Most experienced investors use 1–3%
  3. Enter the stock price you plan to buy at
  4. Enter your stop loss price — the price at which you would exit the trade to cut your loss
  5. Click Calculate to see how many shares and contracts to buy
$
The total value of your brokerage account
2.0%
0.5% (Conservative) 2% (Typical) 10% (Aggressive)
Most experienced investors risk 1–3% per trade
$
The price per share you plan to buy at
$
The price at which you would exit to limit your loss

Your position size

Results appear here after you click Calculate.

Enter your account details and trade prices to find out how many shares or contracts to buy.
Shares to Buy
Contracts
for covered calls

Trade breakdown

Account size
Risk per trade
Max dollar risk
Entry price
Stop loss price
Risk per share
Shares to buy
Total position cost
Position as % of account
Contracts available

Position risk assessment

0% 5% 10%+
Back to all calculators

Like free tools? You’ll love the full toolbox.

Members get our stock scanners, proprietary buy & sell signals, covered call strategies, weekly picks, and expert coaching — everything you need to trade with confidence.

Try full access — $0.99 for 14 days
Cancel anytime Secure checkout 100% of profits to charity

Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Position sizing results are estimates based on the figures you enter. Actual results will vary based on execution price, slippage, commissions, and market conditions. Stop loss orders do not guarantee execution at the specified price. Options trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions. IncomeTrader.com is not responsible for any trading or investment decisions made based on this tool.