Loss Recovery Calculator (Gain Needed After a Drop)
See what percentage gain you need to recover from a loss — a 50% drop needs a 100% gain — and how long it takes at a given return.
For information and education only — not financial advice. Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter; check important decisions with a qualified professional.
How to use
- 1Enter the percentage drop.
- 2Optionally enter an expected annual return to see how many years recovery takes.
How it's calculated
Gain needed = 1 ÷ (1 − drop) − 1. Years to recover = ln(1 ÷ (1 − drop)) ÷ ln(1 + annual return).
Frequently asked questions
Why isn't a 20% drop recovered by a 20% gain?
The gain applies to a smaller amount. After falling from 100 to 80, a 20% rise only gets you to 96 — you need 25%.
Why do big losses hurt so much?
The required gain grows faster than the loss: −10% needs +11%, −50% needs +100% and −90% needs +900%.
How long have stock market recoveries taken?
It varies widely — from months to many years in history. Diversification and time horizon matter.