Investment & Planning

Stop Loss & Take Profit Calculator

Calculate precise stop-loss and take-profit prices using percentage-based or ATR methods. Free — no sign-up needed.

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What is Stop Loss & Take Profit Calculator?

Setting proper stop-loss and take-profit levels is essential for disciplined trading. Our stop-loss take-profit calculator helps you determine exact exit prices using either percentage-based or ATR (Average True Range) methods. In percentage mode, you specify the risk and reward percentages, and the calculator computes the exact stop-loss and take-profit prices. In ATR mode, you input the stock's ATR value and a multiplier (commonly 1.5× to 3×), and the calculator sets the stop-loss based on volatility. The calculator also computes the dollar risk and reward amounts based on your position size, plus the risk-reward ratio to help you evaluate whether the trade setup is worth taking. Use this tool to plan every trade before you enter it.

Steps:

  1. Choose your method: Percentage-Based or ATR-Based.
  2. Enter your planned entry price.
  3. For percentage mode: set your risk and reward percentages.
  4. For ATR mode: enter the ATR value and multiplier.
  5. Input your position size in shares.
  6. Review the calculated stop-loss, take-profit, and risk-reward ratio.

Formula

Percentage Mode: Stop-Loss = Entry Price × (1 − Risk % / 100) Take-Profit = Entry Price × (1 + Reward % / 100) ATR Mode: Stop-Loss = Entry Price − (ATR Multiplier × ATR Value) Take-Profit = Entry Price × (1 + Reward % / 100) Risk Amount = |Entry − Stop-Loss| × Position Size Reward Amount = |Take-Profit − Entry| × Position Size Risk:Reward Ratio = Reward Amount ÷ Risk Amount

Use Cases

  • Setting stop-loss levels for stock trades
  • Calculating ATR-based stops for volatile assets
  • Planning take-profit targets with favorable risk-reward
  • Comparing percentage vs ATR stop methods

Key Benefits

  • Set precise exit prices before entering trades
  • Choose between percentage and volatility-based methods
  • Calculate dollar risk and reward amounts
  • Evaluate trade quality with risk-reward ratio

Pro Tips

  • Use ATR-based stops for volatility-adaptive exits
  • Always set both stop-loss and take-profit before entering
  • Trail your stop-loss upward as the trade moves in your favor
  • Never move your stop-loss further from entry

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Setting stops too tight and getting stopped out by noise
  • Not using take-profit orders and letting winners turn to losers
  • Ignoring ATR and using arbitrary percentage stops
  • Moving stop-loss further away to avoid being stopped out

Key Terms Explained

Stop-Loss: Pre-set price to exit a losing trade
Take-Profit: Pre-set price to exit a winning trade
ATR (Average True Range): Measure of price volatility
Trailing Stop: Stop-loss that moves with favorable price action

Related Concepts

  • Position Size Calculator – Calculate exact shares to buy
  • Risk Reward Ratio Calculator – Evaluate trade quality
  • Drawdown Recovery Calculator – Understand recovery math

Example

You plan to buy a stock at $50. Using percentage mode with 4% risk and 8% reward: Stop-Loss = $50 × (1 − 0.04) = $48. Take-Profit = $50 × (1 + 0.08) = $54. With 200 shares: Risk Amount = |$50 − $48| × 200 = $400. Reward Amount = |$54 − $50| × 200 = $800. Risk:Reward = $800 ÷ $400 = 2:1.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a stop-loss order?
A stop-loss is a pre-set price level where you automatically exit a losing trade. It limits your downside risk and removes emotion from the decision. For a long position, the stop-loss is placed below the entry price. For a short position, it's placed above.
What is a take-profit order?
A take-profit is a pre-set price level where you automatically exit a winning trade to lock in profits. It ensures you capture gains before the market reverses. For a long position, the take-profit is placed above the entry price.
What is ATR and how is it used for stop-loss?
ATR (Average True Range) measures a stock's average price volatility over a period (typically 14 days). An ATR-based stop-loss places your stop at a multiple of ATR below entry (e.g., 2×ATR). This adapts to market volatility — wider stops for volatile stocks, tighter for stable ones.
Which is better: percentage-based or ATR-based stops?
ATR-based stops are generally superior because they adapt to market volatility. A 2% stop on a low-volatility stock might be too tight, causing premature exits, while on a high-volatility stock it might be too wide. ATR automatically adjusts. However, percentage stops are simpler and work well for beginners.
What ATR multiplier should I use?
Common ATR multipliers are 1.5× to 3×. A 2×ATR stop is a popular default — it's wide enough to avoid normal price noise but tight enough to limit losses. Use 1.5× for tighter stops on stable stocks, and 3× for volatile stocks or swing trades.
How do I set a good take-profit level?
Set your take-profit at a level that gives you a favorable risk-reward ratio (at least 1:2). Use technical analysis — previous resistance levels, Fibonacci extensions, or measured moves — to identify realistic targets. Don't set targets so far away that they're unlikely to be reached.
Should I use stop-loss and take-profit together?
Yes, always use both. A stop-loss protects you from catastrophic losses, while a take-profit ensures you capture gains. Together they form a complete trade plan with defined risk and reward, allowing you to calculate your expected outcome before entering.
Can I move my stop-loss after entering a trade?
You can trail your stop-loss upward (for long positions) as the trade moves in your favor — this is called a trailing stop. However, never move your stop-loss further away from entry to avoid being stopped out. This violates risk management principles.
What percentage stop-loss should I use?
Common percentage stops range from 2-8% depending on the asset and strategy. For blue-chip stocks, 3-5% is typical. For volatile growth stocks or crypto, 5-10% may be needed. The key is that your stop should be placed at a technically meaningful level, not an arbitrary percentage.
How does position size affect stop-loss placement?
Position size and stop-loss are interconnected through your total risk. A wider stop-loss requires a smaller position size to keep the same dollar risk. Conversely, a tighter stop allows a larger position. Always calculate both together using a position size calculator.
What is the difference between a hard stop and a mental stop?
A hard stop is an actual order placed with your broker that automatically sells when the price hits your level. A mental stop is a price you've decided on but haven't entered as an order. Hard stops are strongly recommended — they execute even when you're not watching the market.

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