Bitcoin Profit/Loss Calculator
Calculate Bitcoin profit or loss instantly. Enter buy price, sell price, fees, and holding period to get net P&L, % return, annualized return, and short vs…
See step-by-step calculation
When to use this calculator
- Calculating net profit after exchange fees on a BTC sale
- Comparing short-term vs long-term capital gains tax exposure
- Estimating annualized return to benchmark against stocks or ETFs
- Tracking cost basis for IRS Schedule D reporting
- Evaluating whether to hold longer to qualify for lower long-term tax rates
- Reviewing historical trades to understand true net performance
U.S. Federal Capital Gains Tax Rates by Holding Period (Crypto/Bitcoin)
| Holding Period | Tax Treatment | Federal Rate Range |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 365 days (short-term) | Ordinary income | 10% – 37% |
| > 365 days (long-term) | Preferential capital gains rate | 0%, 15%, or 20% |
Fuente: IRS Topic No. 409 – Capital Gains and Losses (2026); IRS Notice 2014-21 (2014). Bitcoin is treated as property; holding period determines tax classification.
2026 Long-Term Capital Gains Income Thresholds (held > 1 year)
Which long-term rate (0%, 15%, or 20%) applies to your BTC gain depends on your total taxable income and filing status.
| Filing status | 0% rate (taxable income) | 15% rate (taxable income) | 20% rate (taxable income) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | Up to $49,450 | $49,450 – $545,500 | Over $545,500 |
| Married filing jointly | Up to $98,900 | $98,900 – $613,700 | Over $613,700 |
| Head of household | Up to $66,200 | $66,200 – $579,600 | Over $579,600 |
| Married filing separately | Up to $49,450 | $49,450 – $306,850 | Over $306,850 |
Source: IRS / Tax Foundation — 2026 tax year long-term capital gains breakpoints (taxable income, USD). Bitcoin held more than 365 days is taxed at these preferential rates; short-term gains use the ordinary income brackets instead. A 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax may also apply to high earners.
Typical Spot Trading Fees by Exchange (low-volume retail, 2026)
| Exchange | Maker fee (base tier) | Taker fee (base tier) | Round-trip cost on $10,000 (taker, buy + sell) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Binance / Binance Pro | 0.10% | 0.10% | ≈ $20 |
| Kraken Pro | 0.25% | 0.40% | ≈ $80 |
| Coinbase Advanced Trade | 0.60% | 1.20% | ≈ $240 |
| Coinbase (simple / instant buy) | ~1.49% + spread | ~1.49% + spread | ≈ $300 |
| Gemini ActiveTrader | 0.60% | 1.20% | ≈ $240 |
Source: published 2026 fee schedules (Coinbase, Kraken, Binance, Gemini). Rates shown are the highest (entry) retail tier for accounts under ~$10,000 monthly volume; fees fall with higher 30-day volume. 'Maker' = adding liquidity with a limit order; 'taker' = removing liquidity with a market order. Round-trip cost assumes taker fees on both the buy and the sell. Always confirm your exchange's current schedule before trading.
How it works
What is Bitcoin Profit and Loss?
Bitcoin profit and loss measures the financial gain or loss from buying and selling Bitcoin. It equals the difference between your sell price and buy price, minus all trading and transaction fees. For example, buying 1 BTC at $30,000 and selling at $40,000 with 1% fees yields roughly $9,700 profit. This metric determines tax classification and investment performance.
How It Works
This calculator uses standard cost-basis accounting and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) math to show your true profit or loss after all trading fees.
Formulas
// Step 1: Cost Basis
Cost Basis = (BTC Amount × Buy Price) × (1 + Buy Fee %)
// Step 2: Gross Proceeds
Gross Proceeds = BTC Amount × Sell Price
// Step 3: Net Proceeds
Net Proceeds = Gross Proceeds × (1 - Sell Fee %)
// Step 4: Profit / Loss
Profit / Loss = Net Proceeds - Cost Basis
// Step 5: Total Return
Total Return (%) = (Profit / Loss) / Cost Basis × 100
// Step 6: Annualized Return (CAGR)
Annualized Return = (Net Proceeds / Cost Basis)^(365 / Holding Days) - 1
// Step 7: Breakeven Sell Price
Breakeven = Cost Basis / (BTC Amount × (1 - Sell Fee %))Worked Example
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| BTC bought | 0.5 BTC |
| Buy price | $40,000 |
| Sell price | $70,000 |
| Buy fee | 0.1% |
| Sell fee | 0.1% |
| Holding period | 365 days |
Tax Classification (U.S.)
The IRS classifies capital gains based on holding period:
This calculator flags which category applies based on your entered holding days. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Limitations
Frequently asked questions
What is cost basis for Bitcoin?
How are Bitcoin gains taxed in the U.S.?
Does the holding period include the buy and sell day?
What is a typical Bitcoin exchange fee?
What is annualized return (CAGR) and why does it matter?
Can I use this calculator for Ethereum or other cryptocurrencies?
What is the breakeven sell price?
Does this calculator handle multiple buy lots?
Are Bitcoin losses tax-deductible?
Sources & references
- IRS Notice 2014-21: Virtual Currency Guidance — Internal Revenue Service (2014)
- IRS Publication 544: Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets — Internal Revenue Service (2025)
- IRS Topic No. 409: Capital Gains and Losses — Internal Revenue Service (2026)
- IRS Revenue Ruling 2023-14: Crypto Staking — Internal Revenue Service (2023)
Methodology & trust
Calculadora de finanzas revisada por el equipo editorial de Hacé Cuentas, contrastada con IRS Notice 2014-21: Virtual Currency Guidance, según nuestra política editorial y metodología.
Última revisión: June 22, 2026. Los parámetros se verifican periódicamente con las fuentes citadas.
Calculations run 100% in your browser. We do not store or transmit your data.
Indicative results. For critical decisions, consult a professional.
Rodríguez, M. (2026). Bitcoin Profit/Loss Calculator. Hacé Cuentas. https://hacecuentas.com/bitcoin-profit-loss-calculator
Contenido bajo licencia CC-BY 4.0 — reutilizable citando la fuente con enlace a Hacé Cuentas.