How to Average Down Stocks - Average Down Calculator & Formula
Learn how to average down stocks with our free calculator and formula guide. Calculate average cost basis when buying more shares at lower prices. Use our average down calculator, stock average down calculator, and averaging down calculator to determine your new cost basis. Example: 100 shares at $50 + 50 shares at $45 = $48.33 average cost. Our calculator helps you understand portfolio performance and optimize your investment strategy when averaging down on stock positions.
Last updated: February 2, 2026
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Current Holdings
Additional Purchases
Portfolio Analysis
Average Cost Basis
$47.14
Total Shares:
175
Total Cost:
$8,250
Current Value:
$8,750
Total P&L:
+$500
Total Return:
+6.06%
Averaging Down Strategy:
- • Lower your average cost basis by buying more shares at lower prices
- • Reduces breakeven point but increases total investment
- • Consider company fundamentals before averaging down
- • Risk management is crucial - don't over-invest in declining stocks
Important Considerations:
Averaging down can increase losses if the stock continues to decline. Only average down on stocks you believe in long-term and have done thorough research on. Diversification is key to managing risk.
How to Average Down Stocks - Step by Step Guide & Formula
Step-by-Step: How to Average Down Stocks
Step 1: Assess Your Current Position
Review your existing position:
- • Current number of shares owned
- • Original purchase price(s)
- • Current average cost basis
- • Current stock price
Step 2: Evaluate the Price Decline
Determine if averaging down makes sense:
- • Is the decline temporary or fundamental?
- • Are company fundamentals still strong?
- • Is the stock price below your average cost?
- • Do you have conviction in the investment?
Step 3: Calculate New Average Cost
Use the average down formula:
Average Cost = Total Investment ÷ Total Shares
Example: 100 shares at $50 + 50 shares at $45 = $7,250 ÷ 150 = $48.33 average
Step 4: Determine Position Size
Set limits before averaging down:
- • Limit single position to 5-10% of portfolio
- • Don't invest more than you can afford to lose
- • Set maximum investment amount upfront
- • Consider opportunity cost of capital
Step 5: Execute and Monitor
After averaging down:
- • Track your new average cost basis
- • Monitor position size and portfolio allocation
- • Reassess if fundamentals change
- • Have an exit strategy ready
Average Down Formula & Calculation Example
Average Down Formula:
Average Cost = Total Investment ÷ Total Shares
- • Total Investment = Σ(Shares × Price)
- • Total Shares = Sum of all shares
- • Result = Weighted average cost
- • Purchase 1: 100 shares × $50 = $5,000
- • Purchase 2: 50 shares × $45 = $2,250
- • Total: 150 shares, $7,250
- • Average: $7,250 ÷ 150 = $48.33
Averaging Down Stocks - Real Example
Initial Purchase:
100 shares at $60 = $6,000 investment
Average Cost: $60.00
After Averaging Down:
Buy 50 more shares at $50 = $2,500 additional
New Average: $56.67 (150 shares, $8,500 total)
Breakeven price reduced from $60 to $56.67
Result:
Stock needs to reach $56.67 (not $60) to break even
Lower breakeven = Better position
Stock Average Down Calculator Types & Features
Calculation features
Multiple Purchases, Average Cost
Tracks all purchases to determine your true cost basis per share
Performance metrics
P&L, Returns, Current Value
Comprehensive analysis of gains, losses, and total portfolio value
Strategy types
Regular, Periodic, Lump Sum
Compare different investment timing strategies and their outcomes
Position analysis
Size, Weight, Allocation
Understand position sizing and portfolio concentration risks
Price calculation
Weighted Average, Volume
Accurate weighted average calculations based on share volume
Investment analysis
Risk, Return, Strategy
Complete investment analysis with risk and return considerations
New average cost
Weighted Average
Calculate how averaging down affects your cost basis
Quick Example Result
For 100 shares at $50, plus 50 shares at $45, plus 25 shares at $40:
Average Cost Basis
$47.14
Total Return
6.06%
How Our Stock Average Down Calculator Works
Our stock average down calculator uses weighted average calculations to determine your true cost basis when buying additional shares at different prices. The calculation considers all your purchases to provide accurate portfolio analysis and performance metrics for your stock investments.
Average Down Formula - Complete Guide
Main Formula:
Average Cost = Total Investment ÷ Total SharesWhere Total Investment = Σ(Shares × Price) for all purchases
Expanded Formula:
Average Cost = (Shares₁ × Price₁ + Shares₂ × Price₂ + ...) ÷ Total SharesTotal Return % = (Current Value - Total Cost) ÷ Total Cost × 100Quick Calculation Example:
This formula calculates the true average cost per share by weighting each purchase by the number of shares bought. It provides an accurate basis for determining your breakeven point and portfolio performance.
Shows how averaging down affects your cost basis and returns
Key Factors in Averaging Down Strategy
Several factors influence the effectiveness of averaging down. Understanding these variables helps you make informed decisions about when and how much to invest in declining positions.
- Original position size and cost basis
- Amount of price decline from original purchase
- Additional capital available for investment
- Company fundamentals and outlook
- Overall portfolio diversification
- Risk tolerance and investment timeline
Sources & References
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) - Cost Basis Reporting and Portfolio ManagementOfficial guidance on cost basis calculations and reporting
- Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) - Investment Strategies and Risk ManagementEducational resources on investment strategies and portfolio management
- Investopedia - Averaging Down Investment StrategyComprehensive guide to averaging down and portfolio management strategies
Need help with other investment strategies? Check out our covered call calculator and opportunity cost calculator.
Get Custom Calculator for Your PlatformStock Average Down Calculator Examples
Purchase History:
- Initial Purchase: 100 shares at $60.00
- First Average Down: 50 shares at $50.00
- Second Average Down: 25 shares at $40.00
- Current Price: $55.00
Calculation Steps:
- Calculate total shares: 100 + 50 + 25 = 175 shares
- Calculate total cost: (100×$60) + (50×$50) + (25×$40) = $9,250
- Calculate average cost: $9,250 ÷ 175 = $52.86
- Calculate current value: 175 × $55 = $9,625
- Calculate total return: ($9,625 - $9,250) ÷ $9,250 = 4.05%
Result: Average Cost Basis = $52.86, Total Return = 4.05%
By averaging down from $60 to $52.86, you've improved your breakeven point significantly.
Dollar Cost Averaging Example
$1,000 monthly investment over 12 months
Average price: $47.50, Total invested: $12,000
Position Sizing Example
5% portfolio allocation limit on single stock
Max investment: $5,000 in $100,000 portfolio
Frequently Asked Questions
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