Gain and loss formulas
return % = (ending balance / starting balance − 1) × 100. If you know the percentage instead, ending balance = starting balance × (1 + return % / 100).
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RISK & RETURNS
Gain & Loss Percentage Calculator
Measure a balance change and calculate the percentage gain needed to return to your starting balance after a loss.
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Why recovery takes a larger percentage
After a loss, the same cash gain is a larger fraction of the smaller remaining balance. Starting at 10,000 and falling to 8,000 is a 20% loss. Returning from 8,000 to 10,000 requires a 25% gain.
recovery % = (starting balance / remaining balance − 1) × 100. A 100% loss leaves zero, so no finite percentage gain can restore the original balance without new capital. A gain or unchanged balance needs no recovery.