Educational Purpose Only: Does not include STT, exchange charges, or capital gains tax. For illustrative purposes only.
How it works
When you buy and sell shares, your actual profit or loss is not just the difference between the sell and buy prices. It also includes brokerage commissions paid on both legs of the trade, any dividends received while holding the shares, and potentially Securities Transaction Tax (STT) and other charges. This calculator accounts for brokerage on both buy and sell to give you a realistic net return figure.
The absolute return percentage shows your total gain or loss as a percentage of the total amount you invested (including buying brokerage). This is useful for comparing the performance of different trades regardless of the amount invested.
Capital gains tax on stocks (India)
| Type | Holding Period | Tax Rate | Exemption |
|---|---|---|---|
| STCG | ≤ 12 months | 20% | None |
| LTCG | > 12 months | 12.5% | ₹1.25 lakh/year exempt |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the actual stock return calculated?
Actual stock return = (Sell proceeds − Buy cost − Brokerage on both legs + Dividends received) / Total invested amount × 100. Simply looking at price difference ignores brokerage, which can significantly affect returns on small investments or high-frequency trades.
What is the difference between STCG and LTCG on stocks?
Short-Term Capital Gain (STCG) applies when you sell stocks held for 12 months or less — taxed at 20%. Long-Term Capital Gain (LTCG) applies when stocks are held for more than 12 months — gains above ₹1.25 lakh per year are taxed at 12.5% without indexation.
What charges are deducted when buying or selling stocks?
When trading stocks, charges include: brokerage (0–0.5%), Securities Transaction Tax (STT: 0.1% on equity delivery both sides), Exchange Transaction Charges (~0.003%), SEBI charges, and GST on brokerage. Full-service brokers charge more than discount brokers. Delivery trades attract STT on both buy and sell; intraday attracts STT only on sell.
How is dividend income taxed?
Dividend income received from Indian stocks is added to your total income and taxed at your applicable income tax slab rate. The company deducts TDS at 10% before paying dividends if your total dividends from that company exceed ₹5,000 in a financial year.
Related Calculators
This calculator is for educational and illustrative purposes only. It does not account for capital gains tax (STCG or LTCG), STT, exchange fees, or SEBI charges. Consult a tax advisor for accurate post-tax return calculations.
About Stock Return Calculator
Calculate total stock returns including dividends and brokerage costs on any equity investment. Enter buy price, sell price, shares, and brokerage to see your net profit and actual return percentage. This tool is designed to be simple and accessible for users who need quick, reliable results.
When to use this tool
Use the stock return calculator when you need an accurate, immediate calculation without installing software or registering an account. It is especially useful for everyday decisions, quick comparisons, and planning where you need numbers fast.
How it works
The calculator applies standard, well-known formulas and conventions appropriate to the domain. Results are computed instantly in your browser to preserve privacy and avoid sending personal data to servers.
Limitations and tips
This tool provides informative estimates and is not a substitute for professional advice. For complex or high-stakes decisions, verify results with a qualified professional. Double-check inputs such as units, dates, and currency settings before making decisions.