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How Nifty 50 is Calculated?

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NIFTY 50 is a key indicator to learn about India's top 50 companies in different sectors. This stock indicator tells a lot about the overall market, leading companies, and customer sentiment. 

Calculated using a free-float formula of market capitalisation, the NIFTY 50 calculation guides investors on market performance, stability, and several other parameters, helping them make investing decisions. 

What is NIFTY 50? 

Before we go ahead with how Nifty 50 is calculated, let's first understand what is NIFTY 50. In most simple terms, NIFTY 50 can be understood as one of the top share market indexes of India. But what does this index reveal? Well, the index reveals India's leading 50  and top-performing traded companies across various sectors. Thus, NIFTY 50 serves as a gauging meter to understand the major players in the share market, their performance, and much more. 

But how does NIFTY 50 help? Well, as an index that reveals India's top-performing companies, it tells a lot about the market too. Traders and investors use this tool to gauge market trends and overall wellness. It also speaks a lot about the country's economic health. 

In short, the valuable information provided by NIFTY 50 calculation about leading companies and market trends can come in handy while making investment strategies and decisions. You may also use the same to enhance your returns on investment. 

Key Factors That Affect NIFTY 50 Calculation

The NIFTY 50 calculation is affected by several factors like the market capitalisation index, free-float methodology, and more. Let's understand them in detail. 

  • Market Capitalization-Based Index

The market capitalization-based index is a bit different than the normal average. Here, each share does not have the same weight. Instead, in a market capitalization-based index, each stock is weighted based on its market capitalisation. Meaning, companies with lesser market cap have a lesser impact on the index value. Alternatively, companies with higher market capitalization value enjoy greater impact. 

  • Free-Float Market Capitalization Explained

Free-float market capitalization is the total of outstanding shares or capital stock of a company. Also, this only takes into consideration the stocks that are ready to be publicly traded. This eliminates shares like locked-in shares, thus giving a more precise representation of the market's true value. 

  • Selection Criteria for NIFTY 50 Stocks

For a company to be a part of NIFTY 50, it must be registered with the National Stock Exchange of India or NSE. Further, it shall also have an Indian domicile. Another important criterion revolves around its trading frequency, which shall be no less than 100% over the last 6 months. Additionally, other criteria like it's liquidity, sectoral representation, and market capitalization are also taken into consideration. 

Step-by-Step Guide on How NIFTY 50 is Calculated      

Now that we know what NIFTY 50 is, what it reveals, and how significant it is for the market and investors, let's move ahead. One of the significant questions around NIFTY 50 is the NIFTY 50 calculation. Investors often seem to be curious to know how NIFTY 50 is calculated. Well, let's see.

  • Step 1: Determining the Market Capitalization of NIFTY 50 Companies

The NIFTY 50 calculation starts with selecting companies based on a set of criteria. Here, the company's liquidity, market capitalization, and all are considered. Now, to determine the market capitalization of the company, each share is weighted differently based on its market cap, thus, having a different influence on the index. 

  • Step 2: Calculating Free-Float Market Capitalization

Once the companies are sorted based on market capitalization, the next step to derive the NIFTY 50 calculation is using a free-float market capitalization method. This is the total sum of outstanding shares of a company. It is calculated by multiplying the respective weight and free-float market capitalisation value of each company. 

  • Step 3: Formula for NIFTY 50 Calculation

Once the weight for each of the 50 companies is calculated, the NIFTY 50 calculation is completed by adding the products of each company's respective weight and free float market cap value. This whole calculation gives valuable insights into the collective functioning of the market. 

Additional Read: What is Demat Account: Importance, Features and Types

Real-Life Example of NIFTY 50 Calculation

Now that you theoretically know how NIFTY 50 is calculated, let's understand the same with an example for better clarity. 

Say, there are two companies, company A and company B. The free-float market cap of company A and company B is ₹10,000 and ₹ 5000 respectively. The total free float value of all companies of ₹50,000. 

Now, the weight of company A in the index can be calculated as:

Company A: (Its free float market cap÷ total free float market cap)×100

=(₹10,000 crore ÷ ₹50,000 crore) × 100

= 20%

Similarly, the weight for company B can be calculated as: 

Company B: (Its free float market cap÷ total free float market cap)×100

=(₹5,000 crore ÷ ₹50,000 crore) × 100

= 10%

Once we have calculated the weight of each company, we can calculate NIFTY 50 by having a sum total of the product of free-float market capitalization and its respective weight.  

Why NIFTY 50 Calculation Matters for Investors

The importance of NIFTY 50 isn't just about getting a list of the top 50 companies. It's much more than that. It can be a gauging and an educational tool for investors in several ways. The index is nothing short of a report on the market's overall health and performance. You may use the same to check if your investments are in line with overall market sentiment to improve your portfolio performance. As mentioned, NIFTY 50 also speaks a lot about the market sentiment. You can read the market mood, see what sectors are going strong and weak, and invest accordingly based on sectoral behaviour. Overall, the index can come in quite handy to refine your investment plan and strategy. 

Additional Read: Differences Between Nifty and Sensex

Conclusion

The NIFTY 50 index is a great guiding tool calculated using a mix of free-float market capitalization and respective weighted approach. It tells a lot about the financial situation of the top companies and the economic landscape of the country. Once you understand how NIFTY 50 is calculated, you get familiar with important economic trends, market mood, consumer sentiment, and several important concepts. Each of these can guide you immensely in making wise and informed investment decisions. 

Disclaimer: Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing.

This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

For All Disclaimers Click Here: https://bit.ly/3Tcsfuc

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is NIFTY 50 and how is it calculated?

Answer Field

NIFTY 50 can be simply understood as a market index that reveals the top 50 performing companies of different sectors. It is calculated using market capitalization and free-float market capitalization methods.

Which factors influence the calculation of the NIFTY 50 index?

Answer Field

Several factors influence the NIFTY 50 index. It starts with the selection criteria that take into several factors like liquidity, performance, and more. Further, the methods, like market capitalization and free-float market capitalization methodology also influence the index.

How does the market capitalization method work in the NIFTY 50 calculation?

Answer Field

In the NIFTY 50 calculation, the market capitalization method holds significant importance. Here, the company's value in the index is determined using its market capitalization. The higher the market cap, the greater the influence on the index.

What are the criteria for a stock to be included in NIFTY 50?

Answer Field

One of the most popular criteria to be included in NIFTY 50 is that it must have been registered with the NSE. It shall also have an Indian domicile. Then, other factors like sectoral representation, liquidity, and market value are also taken into consideration.

How often is the NIFTY 50 index rebalanced or updated?

Answer Field

The NIFTY 50 index is rebalanced or updated periodically to ensure it represents the evolving sentiment and scenario of the market and not the outdated one. Generally, the rebalancing is done every six months on the 31st of January and the 31st of July.

What role does free-float market capitalization play in the NIFTY 50 calculation?

Answer Field

The free-float market capitalization helps derive the respective weight of each company, which comes in handy in the NIFTY 50 calculation.

Can the NIFTY 50 index calculation method change over time?

Answer Field

Yes, the NIFTY 50 index calculation may change over time. It is important to understand that it is anyways periodically updated to show the market's evolving scenario. Additionally, the methodology for calculation has also changed in the past. For example, it was earlier calculated using full market capitalization, which then shifted to the free float market on the 26th of June, 2009.¹

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