How to calculate liquidation price on Bitstamp?

On Bitstamp, the liquidation price is when a leveraged position closes automatically to limit losses — calculate it using entry price, leverage, and margin requirements.

Jul 24, 2025 at 02:50 am

Understanding Liquidation Price on Bitstamp

Liquidation price is the price at which a trader’s leveraged position is automatically closed by the exchange to prevent further losses. On Bitstamp, this applies when using margin trading features — not standard spot trading. If your position moves against you and the equity in your margin account falls below the maintenance margin requirement, Bitstamp will liquidate your position. The liquidation price is calculated based on your entry price, leverage, and fees. It's essential to monitor this value closely to avoid unexpected closures of your positions.

Key Components in Liquidation Price Calculation

To compute the liquidation price manually, you must understand these variables:

• Entry price: The price at which you opened your leveraged position.
• Leverage: The multiplier used to increase your exposure (e.g., 2x, 5x).
• Position size: The total value of your position in base currency (e.g., BTC).
• Maintenance margin: The minimum equity required to keep the position open, typically a percentage of the position size.
• Initial margin: The amount of collateral you initially deposit, calculated as position size divided by leverage.
  

  The formula for long positions is:
  Liquidation Price = Entry Price × (1 - (Initial Margin / Position Size) + (Maintenance Margin / Position Size))

  For short positions:
  Liquidation Price = Entry Price × (1 + (Initial Margin / Position Size) - (Maintenance Margin / Position Size))

  These formulas assume no additional fees or funding costs. Bitstamp may apply slight variations depending on their margin policy, so always check their official documentation.

  Step-by-Step Manual Calculation for a Long Position

  
  Suppose you open a long position on Bitstamp with the following parameters:
• Entry price: $30,000 per BTC
• Leverage: 5x
• Position size: 1 BTC
• Maintenance margin: 1% of position value
  
  • Calculate initial margin: Position Size / Leverage = 1 / 5 = 0.2 BTC
  • Convert to USD: 0.2 × $30,000 = $6,000
  • Maintenance margin in USD: 1% of $30,000 = $300
  • Plug into the formula:
    Liquidation Price = 30,000 × (1 - (6,000 / 30,000) + (300 / 30,000))= 30,000 × (1 - 0.2 + 0.01)= 30,000 × 0.81= $24,300

  This means if the BTC price drops to $24,300, your position will be liquidated.

  Step-by-Step Manual Calculation for a Short Position

  
  Now, using the same parameters but for a short position:
• Entry price: $30,000
• Leverage: 5x
• Position size: 1 BTC
• Maintenance margin: 1%
  
  • Initial margin: still $6,000
  • Maintenance margin: still $300
  • Apply the short formula:
    Liquidation Price = 30,000 × (1 + (6,000 / 30,000) - (300 / 30,000))= 30,000 × (1 + 0.2 - 0.01)= 30,000 × 1.19= $35,700

  If BTC rises to $35,700, the short position will be liquidated.

  Using Bitstamp's Interface to Monitor Liquidation Price

  
  Bitstamp provides real-time liquidation price tracking in its margin trading dashboard:
• Navigate to the “Margin Trading” section.
• Open your active positions tab.
• Each position displays a field labeled “Liquidation Price” in real time.
• This value updates dynamically based on market movements and changes in your equity.
• You can also set alerts via email or SMS when the price approaches your liquidation level — a feature accessible under “Account Settings > Notifications.”
  

  This built-in tool eliminates manual calculations and is especially useful during volatile markets where prices shift rapidly.

  Common Mistakes to Avoid When Calculating Liquidation Price

• Ignoring fees: Some traders forget that funding rates or trading fees can reduce equity, pushing the liquidation price closer.
• Using wrong leverage: Always confirm the actual leverage applied — not the maximum available.
• Confusing position size with collateral: Position size refers to the total value traded, not the amount of margin deposited.
• Misreading long vs. short formulas: Using the long formula for a short position will give incorrect results. Always verify your position type.
• Assuming static values: Maintenance margin and leverage can change based on Bitstamp’s risk policies — always check the latest terms.
  

  Frequently Asked Questions

  What happens if my position gets liquidated on Bitstamp?
  
  When liquidated, Bitstamp closes your position automatically at the best available market price. You lose the initial margin, and any remaining equity (if any) is returned to your margin wallet. A liquidation fee may also apply.

  Can I recover from a liquidation on Bitstamp?
  
  No. Once liquidated, the position is closed permanently. You must open a new position if you wish to re-enter the market. Your account equity will reflect the loss from the liquidated trade.

  Does Bitstamp notify me before liquidation?
  
  Yes. Bitstamp sends margin call notifications when your equity approaches the maintenance margin threshold. These alerts appear in your dashboard and can be configured to send via email or SMS.

  Is the liquidation price the same across all exchanges?
  
  No. Each exchange uses its own maintenance margin rules, fee structures, and calculation methods. Even with the same leverage and entry price, the liquidation price on Bitstamp may differ from Binance or Kraken.