Risk & Reward Calculator
Understanding Risk & Reward in Trading
The risk/reward ratio is the cornerstone of successful trading. It measures the potential profit of a trade against its potential loss, helping traders make informed decisions about whether a trade is worth taking.
What is Risk/Reward Ratio?
The risk/reward ratio compares how much you stand to lose versus how much you could gain from a trade. A 1:3 risk/reward ratio means you’re risking $1 to potentially make $3.
Why Risk Management Matters
Professional traders know that risk management is more important than being right. You can be wrong 60% of the time and still be profitable with proper risk/reward ratios. Here’s why:
- Protects your trading capital from catastrophic losses
- Removes emotional decision-making from trading
- Creates consistency in your trading approach
- Allows for long-term profitability even with lower win rates
Risk/Reward Calculations Explained
Core Calculations
Required Win Rate Formula
Understanding the minimum win rate needed for profitability is crucial:
Real Trading Examples
Stock Trading Example
You identify a bullish pattern in AAPL and plan your trade:
Forex Trading Example
Trading the EUR/USD currency pair with technical analysis:
Risk/Reward Ratio Comparison
Different risk/reward ratios require different win rates for profitability. Here’s a comprehensive comparison:
Risk/Reward Ratio | Required Win Rate | Rating | Strategy Type |
---|---|---|---|
1:1 | 50.00% | Poor | High-frequency scalping |
1:1.5 | 40.00% | Below Average | Short-term trades |
1:2 | 33.33% | Good | Swing trading |
1:3 | 25.00% | Excellent | Position trading |
1:4 | 20.00% | Outstanding | Long-term trends |
1:5 | 16.67% | Exceptional | Breakout strategies |
Quick Wins for Better Risk Management
ā” Immediate Action Items
- Always set stop losses – Never enter a trade without knowing your exit point
- Use the 2% rule – Never risk more than 2% of your account on a single trade
- Target 1:3 minimum – Aim for at least 3:1 risk/reward ratio on all trades
- Plan before you trade – Calculate your risk/reward before entering any position
- Keep a trading journal – Track your actual vs planned ratios to improve
šÆ Real-Life Success Story
A trader identified Tesla breaking above resistance at $240. Using proper risk management:
This single trade with proper risk management generated nearly 30% account growth while only risking 2% of capital.