What selling price covers both the purchase cost and trading commission?
Break-even is the exit price that leaves net profit at zero after costs. Because the calculator includes commission on both entry and exit, the answer must recover more than the original purchase value.
Defining true break-even after fees
Break-even is the sale price at which proceeds after the sell fee exactly match the original purchase cost including the buy fee. Both sides of the transaction are therefore included.
Quantity affects the total cost and fee cost, but not the per-share break-even price. A sell fee of 100% or more returns zero because no valid break-even price exists under the supplied calculation.
Reading the required percentage move
The required move is the gap between the buy price and break-even price. Higher two-sided fees widen that gap even though the number of units does not change the per-unit break-even in the same way.
Solving for an unknown selling price
Buy cost per share = Average buy price × (1 + Buy fee ÷ 100)Break-even price = Buy cost per share ÷ (1 − Sell fee ÷ 100)Recovering entry and exit commission
The worked case starts with a known buy price, quantity and per-side commission. It solves for the future sell price at which sale proceeds cover the position cost plus both commissions.
Costs that can move break-even again
Do not add the fee percentage to the buy price only once. Exit commission is charged on the future sale value, so the equation must solve for it rather than treating it as a fixed entry cost.
- The same percentage commission is charged on buying and selling.
- There are no fixed ticket fees, spread, tax or currency charges.
- The entire quantity is sold at one price.
Calculations related to break even price
The following tools examine neighbouring parts of the same calculation without changing the inputs or assumptions used above.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Does break-even include both commissions?
Yes. The purchase cost includes the buy fee and the required sale proceeds are reduced by the sell fee.
Why does quantity not change the break-even price?
The same per-share fees apply across the position, so quantity changes totals but cancels out of the per-share price.
Are taxes included?
No. Only the two fee percentages entered in the calculator are included.
Educational content only. This guide is not financial advice.