Free calculator · no ticker or email required
Days to cover calculator.
Calculate the short interest ratio from reported shares sold short and average daily volume. Add public float to see short interest as a percentage of tradable shares.
Calculated liquidity ratios
Days to cover formula
Days to cover = reported shares sold short ÷ average daily share volume
FINRA’s glossary defines days to cover—also called the short interest ratio—using this formula. Short interest as a percentage of float is calculated separately: shares sold short ÷ public float × 100.
The 2× and 3× figures divide the same reported short position by hypothetical volume multiples. They show mathematical sensitivity only; actual volume includes every market participant and can change sharply.
What the result does—and does not—say
Important: this ratio does not predict whether, when, or at what price short sellers will cover. Reported short interest is a delayed position snapshot, while daily short-sale volume is a different measure. Check every input’s source and as-of date.
FINRA’s Equity Short Interest Glossary defines the ratio. FINRA’s investor explainer distinguishes short interest from daily short-sale volume. For broader context, combine the result with the short squeeze pressure calculator.
VisionBoard Finance is informational and educational only. Nothing on this page is individualized investment advice.