The account failure probability, not just the expectancy.
Positive expectancy does not mean zero risk of ruin. This calculator estimates how likely the account is to fail given win rate, payoff ratio, and how much is risked per trade.
Risk of ruin
Low modeled failure probability at these inputs. Verify the win rate and payoff ratio are realistic, not optimistic.
The tool should change the next decision, not just return a number.
Each tool gives a usable answer on the spot. No account needed.
Risk of ruin
Use the output as a review prompt, not a signal.
- This normalizes expectancy into an edge between -1 and +1, then applies the classical gambler's-ruin formula raised to the number of risk units in the account (100 / risk%). It reduces to the textbook p-q formula when payoff ratio = 1.
- Assumptions: independent trade outcomes, fixed % risked per trade of the ORIGINAL capital (not full compounding), and no tail-risk events outside the win/loss model.
- Zero or negative edge (b*p <= q) means modeled risk of ruin is 100% over a long enough run — position sizing cannot fix a negative-expectancy system.
Risk disclosure
This tool is educational. It does not place trades, recommend trades, or know your personal financial situation. Trading stocks, options, futures and crypto involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. You can lose more than you invest in leveraged products. Only trade money you can afford to lose. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Reviewed as educational research, not trade advice.
- Author
- Sage
- Reviewed by
- Sage
- Updated
- 2026-05-28
- Scope
- Education only. Not trade advice.
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