1. What is Stock Gain/Loss?

Stock gain or loss represents the difference between the current value of an investment and its original purchase price. It helps investors evaluate the performance of their investments.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple gain/loss formula:

Where:

• Current Value — The present market value of the stock
• Purchase Price — The original price paid for the stock

Explanation: A positive result indicates a gain, while a negative result indicates a loss. The percentage change shows the relative performance compared to the original investment.

3. Importance of Tracking Gains/Losses

Details: Tracking investment performance is crucial for portfolio management, tax reporting, and making informed decisions about buying, holding, or selling assets.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the current market value and original purchase price in dollars. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Should I include dividends in the current value?
A: For total return calculations, yes. For capital gain/loss only, use just the stock price.

Q2: How do I account for stock splits?
A: Adjust your purchase price by the split ratio. For a 2:1 split, divide original purchase price by 2.

Q3: What about transaction fees and taxes?
A: This calculator shows gross gain/loss. For net calculations, subtract transaction fees and consider tax implications.

Q4: Can I use this for other investments?
A: Yes, the same formula works for any asset where you know purchase price and current value.

Q5: How often should I calculate gains/losses?
A: Regular monitoring (monthly/quarterly) is good for active traders, while long-term investors might check annually.