How to use the Crypto Profit
- Enter the buy price, sell price and quantity.
- Enter the exchange fee percentage for each side.
- Add your capital gains tax rate if the disposal is taxable.
- Read the net profit, return percentage and break-even price.
How the calculation works
Total cost is quantity × buy price × (1 + fee), and proceeds are quantity × sell price × (1 − fee). Gross gain is the difference; tax applies to that gain where the disposal is taxable, leaving net profit. Break-even price is the buy price grossed up by both fees, which is why round-tripping a position on a 0.5%-per-side exchange needs roughly a 1% move just to avoid a loss.
Crypto adds costs that equities do not: network or gas fees on transfers, spread on thin pairs, and slippage on market orders in volatile conditions. Tax treatment also catches people out — in most jurisdictions swapping one token for another is a disposal, as is spending crypto on goods, so taxable events occur without any fiat ever appearing.
Net = q·Ps·(1 − f) − q·Pb·(1 + f) ; break-even Pb×(1+f)/(1−f)Source: Standard trading P&L accounting with round-trip fees and capital gains treatment.
Worked example
Buying 0.75 BTC at 41,200 and selling at 52,800, 0.4% fee each side, 20% capital gains tax.
- Cost = 0.75 × 41,200 × 1.004 = 31,023.6.
- Proceeds = 0.75 × 52,800 × 0.996 = 39,441.6.
- Gross gain = 8,418.
- Tax at 20% = 1,683.6, net = 6,734.4.
6,734 net on 31,024 committed — a 21.7% after-tax return, against 28.2% on price alone.
Frequently asked questions
Is swapping one coin for another taxable?+
In most jurisdictions yes — it is treated as disposing of the first asset at market value.
What is break-even after fees?+
The buy price grossed up by both fees. With 0.4% per side you need roughly a 0.8% rise to break even.
Do I owe tax on unrealised gains?+
Generally no. Tax usually arises on disposal, though rules differ by country and for staking or mining income.
Are network fees deductible?+
Transaction costs directly tied to acquisition or disposal are usually allowable, but keep records.
Last reviewed August 31, 2026. We review this page whenever the underlying formula, tax year, published rate or standard changes.