How to calculate crypto profit
The formula, a worked example, and the fee mistake that makes most quick calculations wrong.
Profit = what you received when you sold (after the sale fee) − what you paid in total (including the purchase fee). Divide the profit by the total you paid and multiply by 100 for your percentage return.
The formula
- Coins bought = (amount spent − purchase fee) ÷ purchase price per coin
- Sale proceeds = coins × selling price − sale fee
- Profit or loss = sale proceeds − amount spent
- Return = profit ÷ amount spent × 100%
Worked example
You spend $1,000 buying bitcoin at $50,000, with a $5 purchase fee. Later you sell at $60,000 with another $5 fee.
| Coins bought | ($1,000 − $5) ÷ $50,000 = 0.0199 BTC |
| Value at $60,000 | 0.0199 × $60,000 = $1,194.00 |
| Sale proceeds after fee | $1,194.00 − $5 = $1,189.00 |
| Profit | $1,189.00 − $1,000 = $189.00 |
| Return | $189 ÷ $1,000 = 18.9% |
The price rose 20%, but the return is 18.9%, because the fees came out of both ends.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring fees and the spread. They're often 1–3% each way on instant-buy screens.
- Comparing to the wrong price. Use the price you actually paid, from your exchange history.
- Averaging several purchases badly. If you bought at different prices, your cost basis is the total dollars spent ÷ total coins. The recurring purchase simulator does this for you.
- Forgetting tax. A profit when you sell is usually a taxable gain. See crypto taxes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my percentage gain in crypto?
Divide your profit (sale proceeds after fees minus total cost including fees) by your total cost, then multiply by 100.
Is profit calculated before or after fees?
Your real profit is after all fees. Before-fee figures overstate what you actually made.
How do I find my break-even price?
Divide the total you spent by the number of coins you hold, then adjust for the fee you'll pay when selling. The break-even guide and calculator do this.
Where to next
Sources
Written for beginners and checked against the sources listed. Last reviewed October 26, 2026. This page is educational and is not financial, tax or legal advice. How we write and check pages.