About

Precise calculation of trading profits requires more than subtracting the buy price from the sell price. In high-volume or low-margin strategies, brokerage commissions and regulatory fees can significantly erode returns. This tool accounts for these friction costs, providing a realistic view of net performance. It is essential for day traders, swing traders, and investors needing to audit trade execution or plan entry and exit points with fee-adjusted break-even targets.

The calculator integrates specific commission models, including tiered structures and fixed-rate schedules used by major brokerages. It also factors in mandatory regulatory charges like the SEC Section 31 fee and FINRA Trading Activity Fee (TAF), which are often overlooked in mental arithmetic but accumulate over time.

Formulas

The Net Profit is derived by subtracting the Total Cost Basis from the Total Proceeds, adjusting for all transaction fees.

Net Profit Formula:

Profit = (P_sell × Q) − (P_buy × Q) − Fees_total

Where Fees_total includes:

Fees = Comm_buy + Comm_sell + SEC + TAF

The Break-even Price determines the selling price required to cover both the initial capital and all associated fees.

Reference Data

Broker / Fee Type	Standard Commission	Regulatory Fees (Sell Side)	Notes
Interactive Brokers (Pro)	0.005 &dollar;/share	SEC & FINRA TAF	Min &dollar;1.00 per order
TD Ameritrade	0.00 (OTC: 6.95)	SEC & FINRA TAF	Free for listed stocks
Robinhood	0.00	SEC & FINRA TAF	Payment for Order Flow model
SEC Section 31	8.00 &dollar; per 1M	Applied to total sell value	Variable rate
FINRA TAF	0.000166 &dollar;/share	Max &dollar;8.30/trade	Equity sells only
E*TRADE	0.00	SEC & FINRA TAF	0.50 &dollar;/contract (Options)
Degiro (EU)	2.00 € + 0.03%	Exchange Fees	Varies by exchange
Charles Schwab	0.00	SEC & FINRA TAF	Standard US Equities

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a nominal regulatory fee charged by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on sell transactions to fund its operations. While small per trade, it is mandatory for all U.S. sell orders.

Yes. If you select a broker like Interactive Brokers Pro, the tool applies a per-share rate with a minimum and maximum cap per order, rather than a flat fee.

To break even, you must recover not only the cost of the shares but also the commissions paid to buy and the commissions/fees required to sell. The price must rise enough to offset these friction costs.

Currently, the logic assumes a "Long" position (Buy then Sell). Short selling involves borrowing fees which vary daily and are not currently calculated in this version.