Best Tools to Analyze Short Float Ratio (Free & Paid)
The short float ratio is a critical metric for traders watching market sentiment, short interest, and potential short squeezes. But where do you find accurate, real-time short float data? This guide covers the best tools—both free and paid—to help you monitor, scan, and analyze short float ratios efficiently.
What Is the Short Float Ratio?
The short float ratio represents the percentage of a stock’s float (publicly tradable shares) that has been sold short. It reflects how bearish the market is on a stock and is often used to gauge squeeze potential or sentiment extremes.
Best Free Tools to Check Short Float Ratio
1. Finviz
- Pros: Offers short float %, short ratio, float data in a sortable screener
- Cons: No real-time data unless upgraded
- URL: finviz.com
2. Yahoo Finance
- Pros: Easy to access, updated regularly, great for beginners
- Cons: Limited historical data, no screening tools
- Where to find: Under “Statistics” tab on any stock page
3. MarketWatch
- Pros: Shows short float and volume details
- Cons: Lacks screening or historical tracking
4. Benzinga
- Pros: News-driven short interest updates
- Cons: Limited short float filters in free tier
Top Paid Tools for Advanced Short Float Analysis
1. Fintel.io
- Features: Institutional short data, real-time updates, short interest changes, squeeze potential scores
- Pricing: Starts around $39/month
- Ideal for: Traders who follow hedge fund positioning and squeeze alerts
2. Ortex
- Features: Real-time short interest, borrow rate, short utilization, squeeze risk score
- Pricing: High-end tool ($50–$120/month)
- Best for: Active traders and professionals
3. TrendSpider
- Features: Short float + AI-based charting, backtesting, alerts
- Pricing: Starts at $39/month
- Best for: Technical traders integrating float data with chart patterns
4. TradingView (with data plugins)
- Features: Limited native short float data, but integration with third-party APIs can display real-time float % and short interest
- Pricing: Free basic; paid plans from $14.95/month
Comparison Table
| Tool | Free/Paid | Real-Time? | Screening? | Short Squeeze Data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finviz | Free/Paid | No | Yes | No |
| Yahoo Finance | Free | Delayed | No | No |
| Fintel | Paid | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ortex | Paid | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TradingView | Free/Paid | Plugin | Limited | No (native) |
How to Choose the Right Tool
- Beginner? Start with Yahoo Finance or Finviz (free)
- Active Trader? Consider Ortex or Fintel for real-time data and squeeze detection
- Technical Focus? Use TradingView or TrendSpider for combining chart analysis with short float data
FAQs
Is Finviz accurate for short float data?
Yes, but it’s based on public filings, so updates may lag real-time events.
Which platform offers the most accurate short float ratio?
Ortex and Fintel are considered highly accurate and timely due to institutional-grade data feeds.
Can I get alerts for short float spikes?
Yes, both Ortex and Fintel offer alert systems for unusual increases in short float or borrow rates.
Are there any mobile apps for short float monitoring?
Yes. Fintel, Ortex, and TradingView all offer mobile app versions with short float tracking.
Do I need paid tools to trade short float stocks?
Not necessarily. You can trade effectively using free tools, but advanced tools offer real-time edge and institutional-level insights.
