Break-Even Calculator

Break-even price is where a trade generates zero profit and zero loss after accounting for all costs. Most traders think entry price equals break-even. It doesn't. Spreads, commissions, and swap fees shift your actual break-even point away from entry. For a buy trade, break-even is always above your entry (you pay the ask price (higher than mid), so the market must rise to cover that gap). For a sell trade, it's below entry. Understanding this gap is critical for scalpers and tight-stop traders where a few pips determine success.

The Real Break-Even Formula

Break-Even (Buy) = Entry Price + Spread + (Commission ÷ Pip Value ÷ Lot Size)

Break-Even (Sell) = Entry Price - Spread - (Commission ÷ Pip Value ÷ Lot Size)

On an ECN account with 0.3 pip spread and $7 round-turn commission on 1 lot EUR/USD, your actual cost is 0.3 + 0.7 = 1 pip. The market must move 1 pip in your favor before you're at zero.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Select trade direction — Buy or Sell affects which way break-even shifts.
2. Enter entry price — The exact price you opened or plan to open the trade.
3. Input spread — Check your broker's current spread for the pair. This varies by time of day and volatility.
4. Add commission — If your account charges commission per lot, include it. Standard accounts typically have zero commission but wider spreads.
5. Enter lot size — Commission is often fixed per lot, so size affects per-pip cost.
6. View true break-even — This is the price the market must reach for you to exit with $0 profit/loss.