The math, in one line each
- Value = shares × price.
- Unrealized gain = value − shares × average cost.
- ROI = gain ÷ amount invested.
- After-tax (Reality Mode) = value − 23.8% × gain, if you sold everything after holding over a year at the top federal bracket.
Quick reference: 100 shares
| TSLA price | Value | After 23.8% tax on gain (cost $250) |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $50,000 | $44,050 |
| $1,000 | $100,000 | $82,150 |
| $2,000 | $200,000 | $158,350 |
| $2,600 | $260,000 | $204,070 |
| $5,000 | $500,000 | $386,950 |
Why the after-tax number matters
A long-held position is mostly gain. At $1,000 per share with a $250 cost, three-quarters of the value is taxable gain, so the top federal rate removes about 18% of the total — before any state tax. That gap is what Reality Mode shows.
Holding period matters too: shares held a year or less are taxed as ordinary income, which can be far higher. Many holders are in the 0% or 15% long-term bracket, so 23.8% is a deliberately conservative ceiling.
Buy the dip, quantified
The dip panel shows what extra shares bought at a lower price would be worth at your target, and your new blended average cost. It doesn't tell you whether to buy.
Educational tool, not investment or tax advice. Exit Velocity is an educational calculator. It is not investment, tax, or legal advice, and it is not affiliated with Tesla, Inc. or Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Scenarios are hypothetical; no Tesla–SpaceX merger has been announced.