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Current Holdings

New Purchase

New Total Shares0
New Average (Gross)0.00
Break-Even (Net Avg)0.00
Total Cost Basis0.00
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About

Professional traders and long-term investors frequently adjust open positions by purchasing additional shares at different price points. This strategy, often called "averaging down" (if buying lower) or "averaging up" (if buying higher), alters the cost basis of the portfolio. Accurate calculation of this new average is critical for determining the true break-even point and setting appropriate stop-loss or take-profit orders.

Ignoring trading fees and commissions can lead to a distorted view of profitability. A raw weighted average might suggest a position is profitable, while the inclusion of execution costs reveals a net loss. This tool computes both the gross weighted average and the net average cost, providing a precise figure for the price per share required to exit the position without a loss.

stock market cost basis average down trading tool break-even calculator

Formulas

The core calculation is a weighted arithmetic mean. To find the new average price Pavg, the total value of the old holdings is added to the total value of the new purchase, divided by the total share count.

Pavg = (Sold × Pold) + (Snew × Pnew)Sold + Snew

To incorporate trading costs (Commissions C), the formula adjusts to reflect the Net Average Cost:

Pnet = Total Cost + CStotal

Reference Data

ScenarioOld Avg $New Buy $Shares RatioOutcome
Averaging Down100.0080.001:1New Avg: 90.00 (Significant reduction)
Averaging Down100.0080.0010:1New Avg: 98.18 (Minimal impact)
Averaging Up50.0060.001:1New Avg: 55.00 (Cost basis increases)
High Fee Impact10.009.001:1Fees may push Break-even above 10.00
Penny Stocks0.050.031:5Volume heavily weights the new lower price

Frequently Asked Questions

No. This tool is specifically designed for accumulating positions (buying more). Selling shares requires a realization of profit/loss logic (FIFO/LIFO), which affects tax reporting rather than the weighted average cost of the remaining shares in most brokerage displays.
Commissions and fees are added to your total cost basis. If you buy 10 shares at $10 with a $5 fee, you actually spent $105. Your break-even price is $10.50 per share, not $10.00.
Averaging down lowers your break-even price, making it easier to reach profitability if the price rebounds. However, it increases your total capital exposure to a losing asset, which amplifies total risk if the price continues to fall.
Use the exact number of units held. This can be whole numbers for stocks or decimals for fractional shares and cryptocurrencies (e.g., 0.5 BTC).