Realised vs unrealised profit and loss
Unrealised P&L is the gain or loss on a position you still hold — it moves every second the market does and only becomes real when you sell. Realised P&L is locked in once you close the trade. This calculator shows unrealised P&L based on the live price you enter, which is what your portfolio dashboard displays. Understanding the difference matters for both psychology and tax: in most jurisdictions you owe nothing until a gain is realised.
Why break-even price is the number to watch
The break-even price is the market price at which selling would return exactly your cost basis — no profit, no loss. After fees and any extra costs, it sits slightly above your raw average buy price. Knowing it stops you from panic-selling at a small notional gain that is actually a loss after fees, and it gives you a clear line for setting stop-losses and take-profit targets.
How to read your percentage return
Percentage return puts your P&L in context against the capital deployed. A position up 33% has materially outperformed one up 8%, even if the dollar figures are similar, because it used your capital more efficiently. Track this number over time rather than the dollar figure alone, especially when you add to positions, because dollar-cost averaging changes your average price and resets the maths.
Keeping an accurate cost basis
Accurate P&L depends on an accurate average buy price. If you bought in several tranches, calculate your blended average first with the average cost calculator, then drop that figure into the 'average buy price' field here. Include deposit, network and trading fees in your cost basis so your break-even and tax figures are correct. Crypto exchanges differ on maker/taker fees, funding rates and maintenance-margin tiers, and tax rules vary by country. Treat these results as a planning baseline and confirm against your exchange statements and a qualified tax professional before acting.
Frequently asked questions
What is unrealised profit in crypto?
It is the paper gain on a position you still hold — the difference between current market value and your cost basis. It only becomes realised profit when you sell.
How do I calculate my crypto loss?
Subtract your current position value from your total cost basis. If the result is negative you are at an unrealised loss; this calculator labels it automatically.
What is break-even price?
The market price at which selling returns exactly your cost basis after fees — the threshold between loss and profit.
Should I sell at break-even?
That depends on your thesis. Break-even simply tells you the no-loss exit; whether to hold for more upside is a separate decision based on your strategy and risk tolerance.