Stop-Loss Calculator
Calculate optimal stop loss levels for long and short positions. Input price and risk percentage for instant, precise trading exit points. Free trading tool.
Short $0
Stop-Loss Formula
Long Position Stop-Loss
When you're buying an asset (going long), calculate your stop-loss level:
Stop Loss = Entry Price - (Entry Price × Risk Percentage)
Example: If you buy at $100 with 5% risk
Stop Loss = $100 - ($100 × 0.05) = $95
Short Position Stop-Loss
When you're selling an asset (going short), calculate your stop-loss level:
Stop Loss = Entry Price + (Entry Price × Risk Percentage)
Example: If you short at $100 with 5% risk
Stop Loss = $100 + ($100 × 0.05) = $105
Stop-Loss Meaning
A stop-loss is an automated trading order that limits your potential loss on a position. It works like a safety net, automatically closing your trade if the market moves against you by a predetermined amount. This essential risk management tool helps protect your trading capital and ensures that no single trade can significantly damage your account.
How Stop-Loss Works
When you enter a trade, you set a stop-loss at a specific price level where you want to exit if the trade goes against you. For example:
For Buy (Long) Positions:
If you buy a stock at $100 and set a stop-loss at $95, your position will automatically close if the price falls to $95, limiting your loss to 5%.
For Sell (Short) Positions:
If you short a stock at $100 and set a stop-loss at $105, your position will automatically close if the price rises to $105, limiting your loss to 5%.
Key Features of Stop-Loss Orders
- Automatic Execution: Orders execute automatically when price reaches the stop level
- Risk Management: Helps you predetermine and limit potential losses
- Emotion Control: Removes emotional decision-making during market volatility
- Capital Protection: Prevents small losses from becoming large drawdowns
Pros and Cons of Using Stop-Loss Orders
Pros
- Automatically limits potential losses and protects your capital
- Removes emotional decision-making during market volatility
- Allows you to trade without constant market monitoring
- Helps maintain consistent risk management discipline
- Prevents a small loss from becoming a significant drawdown
- Enables clear position sizing and risk calculation before entering trades
Cons
- May get triggered by temporary price fluctuations or market noise
- Can miss out on potential recoveries after getting stopped out
- During high volatility, orders might execute at worse prices than set
- Stop-loss hunting by large market players can trigger your exits
- May not protect against overnight gaps or extreme market moves
- Can create a false sense of security in highly volatile markets
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