Shares Calculator
Estimate your stock market profit or loss, factoring in buy and sell prices, share quantity, and all associated trading fees.
Calculate Your Share Returns
Enter your trade details to instantly see your net profit or loss, return on investment (ROI), and the total impact of broker fees and taxes.
Trade Profit Estimator
See the real return on your stock market investments.
How it Works
Understanding your investment returns
Calculate Buy Cost
We multiply the number of shares by the buy price and add any purchase commissions or Stamp Duty (SDRT).
Calculate Sale Value
We multiply the number of shares by the sell price to find your gross return before deducting exit fees.
Deduct All Fees
We subtract both the buy and sell fees from your gross profit to reveal your true, net take-home amount.
Determine ROI
We calculate your Return on Investment as a percentage, showing how efficiently your capital grew (or shrank).
Common UK Trading Costs
A general overview of the typical fees and taxes associated with buying and selling shares in the UK.
| Cost Type | Typical Amount | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Broker Commission | £0 – £15 per trade | Both Buy and Sell |
| Stamp Duty (SDRT) | 0.5% of purchase value | Buy (UK shares only, rounded up to nearest £1) |
| Platform / Custody Fee | 0.15% – 0.45% per year | Holding shares (charged annually or monthly) |
| FX Fee | 0.5% – 1.5% | Buying non-GBP denominated shares |
| Capital Gains Tax | 10% or 20% on profits | Sell (only on gains exceeding the £3,000 annual allowance) |
Share Trading FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about calculating investment returns, fees, and UK stock market rules.
SDRT is a 0.5% tax charged on the purchase of most UK shares and unit trusts. It is usually automatically deducted by your stockbroker when you buy the shares. It does not apply to sales or to shares traded on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).
ROI is calculated by subtracting your total initial investment (including buy fees) from your total sale value (minus sell fees), dividing that result by your total initial investment, and then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage.
Yes, significantly. Broker commissions, platform fees, and taxes like SDRT reduce your net profit. A trade that looks profitable on paper might result in a net loss once all transaction fees are deducted.
For the 2024/2025 tax year, the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) annual exempt amount is £3,000. Any profit made from selling shares above this threshold may be subject to CGT at 10% (basic rate) or 20% (higher rate).