How to Plan Risk Reward and Take Profit
Turn entry and stop distance into a target price, position size and potential reward using an R-multiple.
The concept in plain English
A risk-reward calculator measures the planned loss between entry and stop against the potential gain to a target. An R-multiple target applies the selected multiple to the stop distance in the profitable direction.
Open Risk/Reward & Take-Profit CalculatorReward-to-risk is only half of expectancy
A strategy can lose money while targeting large R multiples if too few targets are reached. At exactly 2R wins and 1R losses, the mathematical breakeven win rate is one-third before costs. Realized wins and losses often differ from those planned values because of partial exits, slippage and gaps. Review actual trade outcomes and costs instead of choosing the most attractive target on a calculator.
A 2R target
$10,000 account, 1% risk, $100 long entry, $95 stop and a desired reward of 2R. Costs are excluded.
One R = $5 per unit. Target = $100 + 2 × $5 = $110. Quantity = $100 risk ÷ $5 = 20.
20 units, a $110 target, $100 planned risk and $200 potential reward.
A 2R target does not imply a high probability of reaching it. Payoff and win rate both matter.
Calculation method
One R equals the absolute entry-to-stop distance. Target price adds or subtracts desired R × unit risk. Position size uses the account risk budget divided by unit risk.
| Input | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Entry price | Starting price for the trade plan. |
| Stop price | Defines one unit of price risk. |
| Desired R multiple | Sets the target reward relative to risk. |
| Account risk | Limits total planned loss. |
Step-by-step workflow
- Enter a technically valid entry and protective stop.
- Choose a target R multiple and set the account risk budget.
- Check target price, quantity and potential reward against market structure.
Practical benefits
- Standardizes trade plans in R units.
- Connects target selection with risk-based size.
- Makes asymmetric reward assumptions explicit.
Questions about Risk/Reward & Take-Profit Calculator
What does a 2:1 reward-to-risk ratio mean?
It means the planned profit is twice the planned loss. For every one currency unit at risk, the target seeks two units before costs.
Is a higher risk-reward ratio always better?
No. Distant targets may reduce win probability. A strategy should evaluate expectancy from both average payoff and actual win rate.
Can I use the tool for short trades?
Yes. A short target is placed below entry while its protective stop is above entry, using the same absolute R distance.
Examples are hypothetical and exclude costs unless stated. This is educational material, not individualized investment or tax advice. Read our methodology and risk disclosure.