Did the trade actually make money?

Educational tool only — not financial advice. Return % is on total cash outlay including commissions. Short-term gains (held under a year) are taxed as ordinary income; long-term at lower capital gains rates — talk to a tax pro.

Why this exists (30-second version)

• Your brain rounds up. "$50 to $65 on 100 shares = $1,500" — minus commissions, minus the spread, it's less. Know the real number.
• Return % beats dollar P&L. +$1,500 on a $5,000 position is a 30% trade. On $50,000 it's 3%. Same dollars, totally different trade.
• Log every trade. Winners feel bigger and losers feel smaller than they were. The math doesn't flatter anyone.