Cryptocurrency investments can produce dramatic gains or losses. This calculator helps you track your actual return on crypto trades, accounting for purchase prices, current values, and fees—so you know exactly where you stand.
How This Calculator Works
This calculator computes your cryptocurrency returns:
- Purchase Price: What you paid per coin/token
- Quantity: Number of coins purchased
- Purchase Fees: Trading and network fees when buying
- Current/Sale Price: Current market price or sale price
- Sale Fees: Fees if selling
- Net Gain/Loss: Your actual profit or loss
- ROI: Return on investment percentage
The Formula Explained
Total Cost = (Purchase Price × Quantity) + Purchase Fees
Sale Proceeds = (Sale Price × Quantity) - Sale Fees
Net Gain/Loss = Sale Proceeds - Total Cost
ROI = (Net Gain / Total Cost) × 100
Step-by-Step Example
Bitcoin Trade Analysis
| Transaction Detail | Value |
| Bought | 0.5 BTC @ $40,000 |
| Purchase Fees | $50 |
| Total Cost | $20,050 |
| Sold | 0.5 BTC @ $65,000 |
| Sale Fees | $80 |
| Proceeds | $32,420 |
| Net Gain | $12,370 |
| ROI | 61.7% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my crypto return?
Calculate your cost basis (purchase price × quantity + fees), then subtract from your proceeds (sale price × quantity - fees). Example: Bought 1 ETH for $2,000 + $5 fee = $2,005 cost. Sold for $3,000 - $7 fee = $2,993. Gain = $2,993 - $2,005 = $988 (49.3% ROI).
Why do fees matter so much in crypto trading?
Crypto fees include exchange trading fees (0.1-1.5%) and network/gas fees (variable, can be $5-$100+ on Ethereum). For frequent traders or small positions, fees eat into returns significantly. A 1% fee on buy and sell means you need 2%+ gain just to break even.
What is cost basis in cryptocurrency?
Cost basis is your original investment plus acquisition costs—the amount you use for calculating gains and paying taxes. Include purchase price, trading fees, and any network fees. If you bought Bitcoin at various prices, you may need to track each purchase (lot) separately for tax purposes.
How do I handle crypto-to-crypto trades?
When you trade one crypto for another (e.g., BTC to ETH), it's a taxable event. You "sell" the first crypto (triggering any gain/loss) and "buy" the second. Track the fair market value at the time of trade. These trades must be reported even though you never touched dollars.
Are crypto returns taxed?
Yes—in most countries, crypto is treated as property for tax purposes. Selling for a gain triggers capital gains tax. Short-term (held under 1 year): taxed as ordinary income. Long-term (held over 1 year): lower capital gains rates. Losses can offset gains and up to $3,000 of ordinary income annually.
What's the difference between realized and unrealized gains?
Unrealized gains are paper profits—your crypto increased in value but you haven't sold. No taxes owed yet. Realized gains occur when you sell (or trade), locking in the profit and creating a tax obligation. You don't owe taxes until you sell.
How do I track cost basis for multiple purchases?
If you bought Bitcoin at different prices, use FIFO (First-In-First-Out), LIFO, or Specific Identification. FIFO assumes you sell oldest coins first. Most tax software supports these methods. Tracking software like CoinTracker or Koinly automates this across exchanges.
What if I can't find my original purchase records?
You need cost basis for taxes—without records, the IRS may assume $0 cost (maximum taxes). Use exchange account history to reconstruct records. Blockchain explorers can help verify transaction dates. Keep better records going forward; use portfolio tracking apps automatically.
Key Points to Remember
- Include all fees: Exchange fees and gas fees reduce real returns
- Track every trade: Each transaction is potentially taxable
- Hold for a year: Long-term capital gains rates are lower
- Keep records: You'll need cost basis for every sale
- Volatility is extreme: 50%+ swings in either direction are normal