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Loss Percentage calculator
Calculate the percentage you have lost on an investment or purchase, and the gain needed to recover.
Loss Percentage calculator
Enter your values below and press Calculate to see your result instantly.
Initial Basis (Cost)
Current Valuation
Absolute Loss Percentage
-25.00%
VALUE EVAPORATED (RAW $)
$2,500
% GAIN REQUIRED TO RECOVER
+33.33%
Your portfolio sustained a -25% hit. Standard math requires an asymmetrical +33% gain just to break even.
About the Loss Percentage calculator
Calculate the percentage you have lost on an investment or purchase, and the gain needed to recover.
How to use the Loss Percentage calculator
- Enter the Initial Basis (Cost) and the Current Valuation.
- Press the button to see the loss percentage, the amount lost and the gain required to break even.
Formula and method
Loss % = (Cost − Current value) ÷ Cost × 100. Gain needed to recover: Loss ÷ Current value × 100.
Worked example
Losing 25% (for example $10,000 falling to $7,500) needs a gain of 33.3% to get back to the start.
Tips
- Losses are asymmetric: the bigger the loss, the larger the gain needed.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need a bigger percentage gain to recover?
Because the gain applies to a smaller balance.