Short Float & Short Interest

Short Float is the share of public float currently sold short. Learn what high short interest means, how it fuels squeezes, and where FINRA reports it.

What is Short Float & Short Interest?

Short Float % is the percent of a company's free-tradeable float that's currently sold short. Higher short float means more shares that must eventually be bought back — more potential squeeze fuel. Above 20% is elevated; above 30% is unusually high. The short interest is reported by FINRA and updated bi-monthly.

How Traders Use Short Float & Short Interest

  • Above 20% = elevated: meaningful short pressure relative to available shares.
  • Above 30% = unusually high: serious squeeze fuel if buyers step in.
  • Reported by FINRA bi-monthly: on the 15th and last business day of each month.
  • Combine with low float: high short float + small share count = explosive squeeze potential.

Where We Use Short Float & Short Interest in Our Penny Stock Scans

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