Why fees change the picture more than people expect
Exchange fees apply twice on a round trip — once buying in, once selling out — and on volatile assets traded frequently, that adds up fast. A string of small trades that each look break-even on price can quietly lose money once both legs of fees are accounted for, which is the main thing this calculator is built to surface.
A worked example
Buying 0.5 coins at $30,000 and selling at $45,000, with a 0.5% fee on each side, nets about $7,312 profit — roughly $188 less than the raw $7,500 price difference alone would suggest, purely from fees. On a smaller trade or a smaller price move, that fee drag becomes a much bigger share of the result.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the percentage return look smaller than I expected?
Fees on both the buy and the sell side eat into the result, and the percentage here is calculated against your full cost basis (purchase price plus the buy fee) — not just the raw price difference. A trade that looks like a clean 50% price gain often nets less once both fees are included.
What's the difference between cost basis and gross proceeds?
Cost basis is what the position actually cost you to acquire, including the buy fee. Gross proceeds is what you'd receive from selling before the sell fee — net proceeds is what actually lands in your account after that fee comes out.
Does this account for tax?
No. Tax treatment of crypto gains varies enormously by country — some tax it as capital gains, some as income, and holding periods can change the rate entirely. This calculator shows your trading result only; check local tax rules separately before reporting anything.
Should I use the price I actually paid, or today's price?
Use what you actually paid and actually received (or would receive) for a real result. Plugging in today's market price for a coin you haven't sold shows unrealized profit or loss — useful to know, but different from a completed trade.
This calculator provides estimates for general informational purposes only and is not financial or tax advice. Cryptocurrency values are highly volatile and tax treatment varies by jurisdiction — consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.