Stock Average Calculator
Calculate your average cost per share across multiple stock purchases
What is Stock Average Calculator?
A stock average calculator computes your average cost per share when you buy the same stock multiple times at different prices. This is crucial for understanding your true cost basis for taxes and knowing your break-even price.
Formula: Average Price = Total Amount Invested / Total Shares Owned
Enter Your Stock Purchases
Your Stock Summary
Break-Even Analysis
How to Calculate Average Stock Price
The average stock price is calculated using a weighted average formula. Unlike a simple average, this method accounts for the number of shares purchased at each price point.
The Formula:
Average Price = (Price₁ × Shares₁ + Price₂ × Shares₂ + ...) ÷ Total Shares
Example Calculation
Let's say you made two purchases of XYZ stock:
- First purchase: 100 shares at $50.00 = $5,000
- Second purchase: 150 shares at $40.00 = $6,000
Total Investment: $5,000 + $6,000 = $11,000
Total Shares: 100 + 150 = 250
Average Price: $11,000 ÷ 250 = $44.00 per share
What is Averaging Down?
Averaging down is an investment strategy where you purchase additional shares of a stock after its price has declined. This lowers your average cost per share and reduces the price at which you break even.
Potential Benefits
- Lower break-even point
- Greater profit if stock recovers
- Dollar cost averaging effect
Risks to Consider
- Stock may continue falling
- Increases exposure to one position
- May be throwing good money after bad
Dollar Cost Averaging vs. Averaging Down
While both strategies involve buying at different prices, they have key differences:
| Feature | Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) | Averaging Down |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Regular intervals (weekly, monthly) | After price drops |
| Approach | Planned, systematic | Reactive to market |
| Goal | Reduce timing risk | Lower cost basis |
| Risk Level | Lower (diversified over time) | Higher (concentrated position) |
When Should You Average Down on a Stock?
Before averaging down, ask yourself these critical questions:
- Why did the stock fall? Is it a temporary setback or a fundamental problem?
- Has the investment thesis changed? Are the reasons you bought still valid?
- Can you afford to lose more? Never invest money you can't afford to lose.
- Are you being emotional? Don't average down just to feel better about losses.
- What's your exit strategy? Know when you'll cut losses if the stock keeps falling.