Crypto profit is the value you receive minus the total cost of the investment. The idea is simple, but fees and partial sales can make the result confusing. A consistent method helps you compare trades without overlooking costs.
Start with the total amount invested
If you bought a coin once, multiply the buy price by the number of coins. Suppose you bought 0.5 ETH at $2,000 per ETH. The basic purchase cost is $1,000. Add any trading or network fee paid to complete that purchase. If the fee was $10, the total cost becomes $1,010.
Find the current or sale value
Multiply the number of coins by the current price if you still hold them, or by the actual sell price if you sold them. If 0.5 ETH is valued at $2,600 per ETH, its gross value is $1,300. If selling costs $12, the net sale value is $1,288.
Calculate profit or loss
Subtract the total cost from the net value. In this example, $1,288 minus $1,010 equals a profit of $278. A negative answer would be a loss.
To calculate the percentage return, divide the profit or loss by the total cost, then multiply by 100. Here, $278 divided by $1,010 is about 0.275. Multiplied by 100, that is roughly a 27.5% return.
What ROI means
ROI stands for return on investment. It expresses the gain or loss as a percentage of what you put in. A 20% ROI means the position gained an amount equal to 20% of its cost. A negative 20% ROI means it lost that proportion. ROI does not tell you how long the investment was held, so two positions with the same ROI may not be equally useful comparisons.
How to find a break-even price
The break-even price is the sell price at which the proceeds cover the original cost and relevant fees. Without a selling fee, divide the total cost by the number of coins. With percentage-based selling fees, the required market price is a little higher because part of the sale value is deducted.
Multiple purchases need a cost basis
If you bought at several prices, add the cost of all purchases and divide by the total coins acquired to get an average cost. Tax rules may require a specific accounting method, such as identifying which units were sold. Those rules vary by country and can differ from the simple average used for planning.
A calculator can organize the arithmetic, but its result is only as accurate as the numbers entered. Keep exchange records and fee receipts. For tax reporting, use the rules that apply in your location or consult a qualified professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is crypto profit?
Net sale value minus your total purchase cost and relevant fees.
How is ROI calculated?
Divide profit or loss by total cost, then multiply by 100.
Should fees be included?
Yes. Buy, sell and network fees can materially change the result.
What is a break-even price?
It is the sale price needed to recover your original cost and included fees.