How is this calculated?

Risk per share equals the difference between your entry price and your stop-loss price. Maximum shares equals your dollar risk divided by the risk per share, rounded down to a whole share. If you select "Percent of account," your dollar risk is calculated as account size multiplied by that percentage. This tool does not check your broker's margin or buying power requirements. Confirm your position value fits within what your account actually allows before placing the trade. This works for both long trades (stop below entry) and short trades (stop above entry). Only the distance between entry and stop matters for this calculation.

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How many shares can I buy if I only want to risk a set dollar amount on the trade?

Q: How many shares can I buy if I only want to risk a set dollar amount on the trade?

Calculates the maximum number of shares you can buy on a trade based on your entry price, stop-loss price, and how much money or percentage of your account you want to risk.

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Jason Parker, Founder of Trading Habits

Enter Your Trade

Your Result

Fill in the fields on the left and click Calculate to see the maximum shares you can buy at this stop distance.

Visualizing It

How this is calculated

Risk per share equals the difference between your entry price and your stop-loss price.
Maximum shares equals your dollar risk divided by the risk per share, rounded down to a whole share.
If you select "Percent of account," your dollar risk is calculated as account size multiplied by that percentage.
This tool does not check your broker's margin or buying power requirements. Confirm your position value fits within what your account actually allows before placing the trade.
This works for both long trades (stop below entry) and short trades (stop above entry). Only the distance between entry and stop matters for this calculation.

Risk & liability disclaimer: This calculator produces a mathematical estimate based on the numbers you enter. It is not financial advice and does not guarantee any trading outcome. Trading involves risk of loss, and past position sizing decisions do not predict future results. Trading Habits is not a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, or tax professional, and is not affiliated with any broker, exchange, or data provider. We do not guarantee this tool is error-free or suitable for your situation. Always verify results independently and consult a licensed professional before making any trading or financial decision. You could lose some or all of the capital you trade with.

How many shares can I buy if I only want to risk a set dollar amount on the trade?

Enter Your Trade

Your Result

How this is calculated

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