Crypto Profit and Loss Calculator
This calculator computes your profit or loss from a cryptocurrency trade using the standard profit formula: (Sell Price minus Buy Price) multiplied by Quantity, minus any fees. Enter your purchase price, sale price, and the number of coins to instantly see your dollar gain or loss and percentage return on investment. Fees are optional but recommended for accuracy. All prices are in US dollars.
Crypto profit and loss formula
Cost Basis = Buy Price x Quantity
Sale Proceeds = Sell Price x Quantity
Profit / Loss = Sale Proceeds - Cost Basis - Fees
ROI (%) = (Profit / Loss / Cost Basis) x 100
These are standard financial formulas used in investment accounting. The IRS Publication 550 and HMRC guidance use cost basis and proceeds as the foundation for gain and loss calculations.
Understanding your crypto P&L
- A positive result means you sold for more than you paid (a capital gain).
- A negative result means you sold for less than you paid (a capital loss).
- ROI above 0% means you made money relative to your investment.
- Always include trading fees for an accurate net profit figure.
- Tax is calculated separately; this shows gross profit before any tax liability.
Crypto profit and loss: frequently asked questions
How is crypto profit and loss calculated?
Profit or loss equals (Sell Price minus Buy Price) multiplied by the quantity of coins. If your sell price exceeds your buy price, you have a profit. If your buy price exceeds your sell price, you have a loss. The return on investment (ROI) is the profit divided by the total cost, expressed as a percentage.
Should I include trading fees in my profit calculation?
Yes. Trading fees reduce your actual profit. This calculator lets you enter fees as a flat dollar amount or as a percentage of the transaction value. Including fees gives you a more accurate picture of your real gains or losses.
What is ROI in crypto trading?
ROI (Return on Investment) is the percentage gain or loss relative to your initial investment. An ROI of 50% means you gained half your original investment in profit. A negative ROI indicates a loss relative to the amount invested.
Does this calculator account for taxes?
No. This calculator shows gross profit or loss before tax. Your tax liability depends on your country's rules, your holding period, and your overall income. Use the Crypto Tax Capital Gains Calculator for tax estimates.
Can I use this for altcoins and tokens as well as Bitcoin?
Yes. This calculator works for any cryptocurrency. Simply enter the buy price, sell price, and quantity for whichever asset you traded. The calculation method is identical regardless of the coin.
Official sources
- IRS Publication 550, Investment Income and Expenses: irs.gov/publications/p550.
- IRS Virtual Currency Guidance: irs.gov virtual currencies.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.