How it works
% change = (New − Old) ÷ Old.
Gain needed to recover = 1 ÷ (1 − Loss) − 1, or Old ÷ New − 1.
Example: a 50% loss needs a 100% gain to get back to even. A 20% loss needs 25%.
Learn more
1% a day": what the compounding math really saysWhat 1% a day really compounds to in a year (about 37.8x), how fast losses compound too, why fees and losing days break the curve, and how to use the math sensibly.How much gain do you need to recover from a loss?Why a 50% loss needs a 100% gain to break even: the loss recovery formula, a full table from 5% to 90%, worked portfolio examples and what it means for risk management.FAQ
Why is the recovery gain bigger than the loss?
The gain is calculated on a smaller balance. After falling from 100 to 50, you need +50, which is +100% of 50.
Does it work for prices and portfolios?
Yes, for any two values: prices, balances, revenue or traffic.
What about multiple losses?
Multiply the remaining factors: −20% then −20% leaves 0.8 × 0.8 = 64%, a 36% total loss.
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