Knowing your real profit or loss on a trade — after fees — is essential for understanding how you are actually doing. The maths is straightforward once you break it down.
The core calculation
- Amount invested = entry price × quantity.
- Exit value = exit price × quantity.
- Gross profit or loss = exit value − amount invested.
- Net result = gross profit or loss − fees.
Don’t forget fees
Trading fees apply on the way in and the way out, and they quietly eat into returns — especially on frequent trades. Always include them to get an honest figure.
Percentage return
To compare trades of different sizes, convert to a percentage: divide your net result by the amount invested, then multiply by 100. A $200 net gain on $1,000 invested is a 20% return.
Our Profit & Loss Calculator does all of this for you and can pull a live exit price for any coin. New to the terms? Start with the glossary.
This guide is general information, not financial advice. See our Methodology.