What is the maximum number of stocks I should buy?

Summary: Is there any limit to the number of stocks you should have in your portfolio? Find out as Dhirendra Kumar answers a commonly asked question.

What is the maximum number of stocks that should be in my portfolio? I want to make an investment of Rs 5 lakh for a period of 10 years – Sudhakara Reddy Vinta

There isn't a straightforward answer to this question. But I would say that if you are investing in stocks yourself, just make sure that you have adequate portfolio diversification, but do not over-diversify. In my opinion, about 10-15 stocks would be sufficient to achieve this.

Also, having a portfolio of 10-15 stocks is good enough for you to remain interested in your portfolio because stock investing is a very sophisticated exercise. When you invest in a good company with a long-term investing horizon (which you definitely have), you have to keep an eye on it, as you can't really make an investment and sleep on it. So, consider reviewing your investments over six months by looking at individual companies and related news items.

To summarise, 10-15 stocks are good enough. But just make sure to invest with an openness to keep an eye on and change your mind.

Also read: How many stocks are enough?

This article was originally published on August 17, 2020, and last updated on December 19, 2025.