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Covered Call Calculator

Net basis, break-even, and max profit if your short call is assigned.

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How the calculation works

Premium received lowers your effective stock basis. If assigned at the call strike, max profit is (strike − cost basis + premium) × shares minus fees. Break-even is cost basis minus premium. Max loss assumes the stock goes to zero after the credit.

Formula & example

BE = cost − premium; Max profit ≈ (strike − cost + premium) × shares − fees

100 shares @ $48, short $50 call for $1.20 → net basis $46.80, max profit if called ≈ $320 before fees.

Why use this calculator

Covered calls trade upside for premium. Seeing max profit if called and the lowered break-even keeps that tradeoff explicit.

When to use it

Use when you already own (or will own) the shares and are selling a call against them for income or a target exit.

Tips for accurate results

  • Assignment risk exists anytime the call is ITM.
  • Match shares to contracts (typically 100 shares per contract).

FAQ

What if the stock rallies above the strike?

You keep the premium but upside is capped near the strike if assigned. That capped outcome is what max profit represents.

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