Finance · Investments & Markets

Kelly Criterion Calculator

Estimate a full and half Kelly fraction from win probability and payoff odds.

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Quick guide

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter the exposure, market, accounting, probability, rate, or risk assumptions named by the fields.
  2. Use consistent currencies, periods, share units, and percentage conventions.
  3. Interpret the output only within the displayed model and limitations.

Calculation method

Calculation method

Kelly fraction = win probability − loss probability ÷ win-to-loss payoff ratio.

Fixed decimal scalar arithmetic remains exact until display. Square-root and compound projections are explicitly approximate and reject non-finite results.

Worked example

Worked example

A 55% win probability and 1.5 payoff ratio produce a 25% full Kelly fraction.

Kelly fraction = win probability − loss probability ÷ win-to-loss payoff ratio.

Supported inputs

Precision and limits

Visible input limits

Fixed decimals accept 30 digits and 12 decimal places, with absolute values capped at 1e12 per input and general rates capped at 1000%. Formula-specific shares and probability limits are validated separately.

International scope

No currency, exchange, broker, live security data, accounting standard, tax jurisdiction, contract specification, or regulatory disclosure is selected automatically.

Decision boundary

Outputs are arithmetic scenarios, not forecasts, advice, suitability assessments, trading signals, fair-value opinions, risk guarantees, or recommendations.

Calculator-specific assumptions

Kelly is highly sensitive to uncertain probabilities and payoff estimates. A positive result does not make an investment suitable or limit losses.