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Free tools·Trading calculators

Break-Even Win Rate Calculator

Edge isn't a feeling. It's a number — and this is the first part of it.

infoEducational only. This tool does not provide financial, investment, legal, or trading advice. Trading and investing involve risk. Verify information independently and make your own decisions.

Input mode

Results

Break-even win rate25.00%

Above this win rate, the system is positive at this geometry — before fees.

What this tool does

Enter your average winning trade and average losing trade. The calculator returns the win rate at which you would break even before fees. You can also enter a risk-to-reward ratio directly.

How to use this tool

  1. Enter the average winning trade dollar amount (or use R:R ratio).
  2. Enter the average losing trade dollar amount.
  3. Read the break-even win rate.

Formula

Break-even Win Rate = Average Loss ÷ (Average Win + Average Loss)

Example

Average win $300, average loss $100. Break-even ≈ 25%. You can lose 75% of trades and still not lose money before fees.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Underestimating losses. Honest averages are essential.
  • Forgetting fees, which raise the real break-even rate.
  • Treating break-even as a target — it's the floor, not the goal.
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Frequently asked questions

Why is win rate not enough?add

A 70% win rate paired with tiny wins and huge losses is a losing system. Break-even rate combines win rate with average win/loss size.

How does this differ from expectancy?add

Break-even is the win rate at which expectancy equals zero. Above that rate, expectancy is positive; below it, negative.

What is a good win rate?add

There is no universal answer. Trend traders often run below 50%; mean-reverters often above. Both can be profitable if reward and risk are aligned.

Do I need an account?add

No, the tool is free and works without signing in.

Educational only. This tool does not provide financial, investment, legal, or trading advice. Trading and investing involve risk. Verify information independently and make your own decisions.