---
title: "Definition of Short %"
url: https://signalscreener.fr/definition/short-interest-percent/
markdown_url: https://signalscreener.fr/definition/short-interest-percent.md
description: "Short Interest % shows what percentage of the free float has been sold short."
type: glossary-definition
site: Signal Screener
language: en
keywords:
  - "Short %"
  - "Short Interest %"
translations:
  es: https://signalscreener.fr/es/definition/short-interest-percent.md
  fr: https://signalscreener.fr/fr/definition/short-interest-percent.md
  zh: https://signalscreener.fr/zh/definition/short-interest-percent.md
---

# Short Interest %

## What is Short %?

Short Interest % shows what percentage of the free float has been sold short. It measures bearish sentiment and can indicate potential for a short squeeze if the stock rises.

## Think of it like this

10% short interest means 10% of available shares have been borrowed and sold by people betting the price will fall. They must buy those shares back later. High short interest = lots of people crowded in the 'wrong door' if the stock rises!

## Formula

```
Short Interest % = (Shares Sold Short / Free Float) × 100%
```

- **Shares Shorted**: Shares currently sold short
- **Free Float**: Publicly tradable shares

## Why it matters

- Shows bearish sentiment from professional traders
- High short % can lead to explosive short squeeze
- Indicates potential volatility risk
- Shorts must eventually buy back (cover)

## What's a good value?

| Range | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| < 5% | Low | Limited short interest, neutral sentiment |
| 5-10% | Moderate | Some bearish sentiment present |
| 10-20% | High | Significant short interest, watch closely |
| > 20% | Very High | Heavily shorted, squeeze potential |

## Real-world example

GameStop 2021: 140% of float shorted (more shares shorted than existed!) = historic squeeze. Tesla 2019: 20%+ short interest, frequent squeezes. Most S&P 500 stocks: 2-5% short interest = normal.

---

This is educational content, not financial advice.

Source: [Definition of Short %](https://signalscreener.fr/definition/short-interest-percent/) on Signal Screener. Free to quote and cite with attribution and a link to that URL, which is the canonical one.

All definitions in this language as Markdown: https://signalscreener.fr/definition/llms.txt
Human index: https://signalscreener.fr/definition/
Site overview for agents: https://signalscreener.fr/llms.txt