Stock Average Calculator
Calculate your cost basis and average stock price from multiple purchases at different prices
Calculate Stock Cost Basis
Current market price per share
๐ Try Preset Scenarios
Load example scenarios to see how different DCA strategies work
Stock Purchases
Purchase #1
Purchase #2
Cost Basis Results
Stock Cost: $12500.00 | Commissions: $19.98 | Current Value: $15000.00
Total Investment: $12519.98 | Unrealized P&L: +$2480.02
Good: Above market average return
Investment Analysis
๐ Advanced Analytics
Enhanced Example Calculation
Tesla Stock DCA Example with Commissions
Purchase 1: 10 shares at $240.00 + $9.99 commission
Purchase 2: 15 shares at $200.00 + $9.99 commission
Purchase 3: 20 shares at $180.00 + $9.99 commission
Purchase 4: 10 shares at $220.00 + $9.99 commission
Current Price: $250.00
Detailed Calculation
Stock Cost = (10ร$240) + (15ร$200) + (20ร$180) + (10ร$220) = $11,800
Total Commissions = 4 ร $9.99 = $39.96
Total Investment = $11,800 + $39.96 = $11,839.96
Total Shares = 10 + 15 + 20 + 10 = 55 shares
Cost Basis = $11,839.96 รท 55 = $215.27 per share
Current Value = 55 ร $250 = $13,750.00
Profit = $13,750.00 - $11,839.96 = $1,910.04
ROI = ($1,910.04 รท $11,839.96) ร 100% = 16.13%
Cost Basis Benefits
Risk Reduction
Lower average cost per share
Dollar cost averaging reduces volatility impact
Better Profit Potential
Increased upside opportunity
Lower break-even point
Strategic Positioning
Build positions systematically
Take advantage of market volatility
๐ก Smart DCA Tips
Buy more shares when prices are lower
Invest consistently over time periods
Track commission impact on returns
Consider low-cost brokers for frequent purchases
Document dates for tax reporting
๐ Tax Considerations
Holding Period
Shares held >1 year qualify for long-term capital gains rates
Tax Lots
Each purchase creates a separate tax lot with its own cost basis
Commission Deduction
Trading commissions increase your cost basis for tax purposes
Understanding Enhanced Stock Cost Basis
What is Cost Basis?
Cost basis is your total investment including stock purchase price and all associated costs like commissions. It's the foundation for calculating taxes, profit/loss, and investment performance.
Why Track Everything?
- โขAccurate profit/loss calculations including all costs
- โขTax-compliant reporting with detailed records
- โขCommission impact analysis for broker selection
- โขInvestment performance tracking over time
- โขStrategic decision making with complete data
Enhanced Cost Basis Formula
Cost Basis = (Stock Value + Commissions) รท Total Shares
Total Investment = ฮฃ(Price ร Quantity + Commission)
New Features
- Commission Tracking: Fixed dollar amounts or percentage fees
- Date Records: Purchase dates for tax lot identification
- Advanced Analytics: Volatility, break-even, and impact analysis
- Export Tools: CSV export for tax software and record keeping
- Auto-Save: Your data is automatically saved locally
- Preset Scenarios: Learn with realistic examples
Pro Tip: Include all costs in your cost basis for accurate performance measurement and tax compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
โ What is dollar-cost averaging (DCA)?
Dollar-cost averaging is an investment strategy where you buy a fixed dollar amount of a stock at regular intervals, regardless of the stock price. This helps reduce the impact of volatility and can lower your average cost per share over time.
๐ฐ How do commissions affect my cost basis?
Trading commissions are added to your cost basis for tax purposes. For example, if you buy $1,000 worth of stock with a $10 commission, your actual cost basis is $1,010. This calculator includes both fixed dollar commissions and percentage-based fees.
๐ Can I export my data for tax reporting?
Yes! Click the "๐ Export CSV" button to download a detailed spreadsheet with all your purchase information, including dates, prices, commissions, and calculated cost basis. This format is compatible with most tax software.
๐ฆ What's the difference between fixed and percentage commissions?
Fixed Commission: A flat fee per transaction (e.g., $9.99 per trade)
Percentage Commission: A percentage of the trade value (e.g., 1% of $1,000 = $10)
Choose the type that matches your broker's fee structure.
๐ Why are purchase dates important?
Purchase dates determine your holding period for tax purposes. Shares held for more than one year qualify for long-term capital gains rates (typically lower than ordinary income tax). Each purchase creates a separate "tax lot."
๐ฏ What's a good cost basis strategy?
- Buy more shares when prices are lower to improve your average cost
- Set a regular investment schedule (weekly, monthly, quarterly)
- Consider commission costs - frequent small purchases can be expensive
- Don't try to time the market perfectly; consistency beats timing
๐พ Is my data saved automatically?
Yes! Your calculator data is automatically saved to your browser's local storage. It will be restored when you return to the page. However, clearing your browser data will remove saved information, so consider exporting important data as CSV for backup.
๐ What do the analytics metrics mean?
- Price Volatility: Standard deviation of your purchase prices (higher = more volatile)
- Commission Impact: Percentage of your investment that went to fees
- Break-even Price: Stock price needed to break even on your total investment
- Average Purchase Size: Your typical investment amount per transaction
โ๏ธ How accurate are these calculations for taxes?
This calculator provides accurate cost basis calculations following IRS guidelines. However, complex situations like stock splits, spinoffs, or wash sales may require additional consideration. Always consult with a tax professional for specific tax advice and compliance.