Average Buy Price Calculator
Weighted Cost Basis & DCA
Frequently Asked Questions
- It uses a weighted average: total invested divided by total quantity purchased. Larger buys affect the average more than smaller ones.
- Not always. This tool is a planning shortcut for your blended entry price. For tax reporting, the IRS says stock basis often depends on specific identification or FIFO, while average basis is mainly allowed for certain mutual fund and DRIP shares. See the IRS stock basis FAQ.
- Usually yes. The IRS explains that stock basis generally includes purchase price plus commissions and transfer fees. If you want a stricter basis estimate, add those costs outside this simplified model. See IRS Topic 703.
- Unrealized profit or loss = current value minus total invested. It shows where the position stands now, before any sale.
- Yes, for planning. It works well for dollar-cost averaging because each new purchase updates the weighted entry. Investor.gov explains the idea behind dollar-cost averaging.