Trailing Stop Calculator
Calculate a long position trailing stop level and compare preset trigger prices from a high you provide.
How the trailing stop calculation works
For a long position, the calculator multiplies the supplied high price by one minus the trailing percentage. The entry price is kept as a reference input, but it does not determine this level.
The table applies fixed examples of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 percent to the same supplied high. The distance result is the high minus the selected level. Neither output tracks a changing market price.
Example: with an entry reference of 100, a supplied high of 150, and a 10 percent trail, the level is 135 and the distance is 15. The entry reference does not change those calculations.
The trail percentage may be saved in browser storage when that feature is available. Entry and high prices are not saved. The tool does not request market data.
Step by step
- Enter an entry reference, the high price to use, and a trailing percentage.
- Read the calculated level, distance from the supplied high, and preset table.
- Change an input to compare the resulting price levels.
Worked example
Example in USD: enter an entry reference of 100, a current high of 150, and a trail of 10 percent. The calculated level is 135, which is 15 below the supplied high.
The preset table shows 142.50 at 5 percent, 135 at 10 percent, 127.50 at 15 percent, 120 at 20 percent, and 112.50 at 25 percent. These levels are arithmetic examples, not suggested settings.
When to use this calculator
Use this calculator to compare long position price levels from an entry reference, a supplied high, and a trail percentage.
It is useful for checking the arithmetic of a scenario. It does not monitor prices, choose a setting, or place an order.
Common mistakes
The entered high is an assumption, not a price history check. Verify the security, currency, and value before interpreting the output.
Do not treat a trigger as a guaranteed sale price or the preset percentages as recommendations. The table compares arithmetic levels from the same supplied high.
Formula
Trailing level = supplied high × (1 − trail percentage / 100)
Distance from high = supplied high × trail percentage / 100
Preset trigger at N percent = supplied high × (1 − N / 100)
All price inputs and outputs use the same currency and price scale. The supplied high is used as entered. No currency conversion or price history is applied.
Limitations and assumptions
This is a calculator for a long position. It does not watch a security, verify that the supplied value is the high since entry, backtest a rule, or place a broker order. A stop trigger may lead to an execution at a different price. Gaps, fees, slippage, taxes, dividends, and account specific rules are outside the calculation. The entry price is contextual and does not set the stop level.
Key terms
- Calculated trailing level
- The supplied high price multiplied by one minus the trail percentage divided by 100.
- Distance from high
- The difference between the supplied high and the calculated level.
- Stop trigger
- A price at which an order may be triggered. It does not promise an execution at that price.
Related calculations
Use the position sizing calculator to model share quantity separately. This page calculates price levels only.
A risk and reward calculator can compare a planned entry, stop, and target. Neither tool predicts a fill price.
FAQ
How is the trailing level calculated?
Multiply the high price you enter by one minus the trail percentage divided by 100. For a high of 150 and a 10 percent trail, the level is 135.
Does the entry price set the trailing level?
No. The level uses the supplied high and trail percentage. Entry price is shown as context and does not affect the formula.
Are the preset percentages recommendations?
No. The 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 percent rows are fixed examples for comparison. This calculator does not select a percentage for you.
Does the calculator follow new highs?
No. It does not receive or store a price history. Enter a new high yourself to recalculate the levels.
Can a stop order fill below its trigger?
Yes. A trigger does not guarantee the execution price. A fast move or price gap can lead to a different fill, and fees or slippage are not included here.
Related tools
Pair this price level calculation with position sizing or risk and reward analysis when you need to examine other parts of a trade scenario.