How is Bybit's liquidation price calculated? What is the forced liquidation mechanism?

Bybit's sophisticated system manages leveraged trading risk through liquidation price calculation and forced liquidation, crucial for traders to avoid unexpected losses.

May 13, 2025 at 09:14 pm

Bybit, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, employs a sophisticated system to manage the risk associated with leveraged trading. One of the critical components of this system is the calculation of the liquidation price and the forced liquidation mechanism. Understanding these concepts is essential for traders to manage their positions effectively and avoid unexpected losses.

Understanding Liquidation Price on Bybit

The liquidation price on Bybit is the price at which a trader's position is automatically closed to prevent further losses. This price is calculated based on several factors, including the entry price, the amount of leverage used, and the maintenance margin requirement. The formula for calculating the liquidation price varies depending on whether the position is long or short.

• For a Long Position: The liquidation price is calculated as follows:
  [
  \text{Liquidation Price} = \frac{\text{Entry Price}}{(1 + \text{Maintenance Margin Rate} \times \text{Leverage})}
  ]
  Here, the entry price is the price at which the position was opened, the maintenance margin rate is the minimum amount of margin required to keep the position open, and leverage is the amount of borrowed funds used to open the position.

• For a Short Position: The liquidation price is calculated as follows:
  [
  \text{Liquidation Price} = \frac{\text{Entry Price}}{(1 - \text{Maintenance Margin Rate} \times \text{Leverage})}
  ]
  The variables remain the same as in the long position calculation, but the formula adjusts to account for the direction of the trade.

Factors Affecting Liquidation Price

Several factors can influence the liquidation price on Bybit:

• Leverage: Higher leverage increases the risk of liquidation because it amplifies both gains and losses. The higher the leverage, the closer the liquidation price will be to the entry price.

• Maintenance Margin Rate: This is the minimum amount of margin required to keep a position open. Bybit sets this rate, and it can vary depending on the asset being traded. A higher maintenance margin rate means a lower liquidation price for long positions and a higher liquidation price for short positions.

• Position Size: The size of the position also affects the liquidation price. Larger positions require more margin, which can move the liquidation price closer to the entry price.

Forced Liquidation Mechanism on Bybit

The forced liquidation mechanism is a process that Bybit uses to close a trader's position automatically when the market price reaches the liquidation price. This mechanism is designed to protect both the trader and the exchange from further losses.

• Triggering Liquidation: When the market price hits the liquidation price, Bybit's system automatically initiates the liquidation process. The position is closed at the best available market price to minimize losses.

• Liquidation Priority: Bybit uses a risk-based priority system for liquidations. Positions with higher risk (higher leverage or larger size) are liquidated first to ensure the stability of the platform.

• Auto-Deleveraging (ADL): In rare cases where the market moves too quickly, and there are not enough opposing orders to close a position at the liquidation price, Bybit may use the Auto-Deleveraging (ADL) system. This system closes profitable positions of other traders to cover the losses of the liquidated position.

How to Calculate Your Own Liquidation Price

Traders can calculate their own liquidation price using the formulas provided above. Here are the steps to do so:

• Identify Your Entry Price: This is the price at which you opened your position.

• Determine Your Leverage: This is the amount of leverage you used to open your position.

• Find the Maintenance Margin Rate: This rate is set by Bybit and can be found in the trading interface or the exchange's documentation.

• Apply the Formula: Use the appropriate formula based on whether you have a long or short position to calculate your liquidation price.

Practical Example of Liquidation Price Calculation

Let's consider a practical example to illustrate how to calculate the liquidation price:

• Scenario: A trader opens a long position on BTC/USD with an entry price of $30,000, using 10x leverage. The maintenance margin rate for BTC/USD on Bybit is 0.5%.

• Calculation:
  [
  \text{Liquidation Price} = \frac{30,000}{(1 + 0.005 \times 10)} = \frac{30,000}{1.05} \approx 28,571.43
  ]
  Therefore, the liquidation price for this position is approximately $28,571.43.

Managing Risk to Avoid Liquidation

To minimize the risk of liquidation, traders can take several steps:

• Use Lower Leverage: Lower leverage reduces the risk of liquidation by moving the liquidation price further away from the entry price.

• Monitor Positions Closely: Keeping a close eye on market movements and adjusting positions accordingly can help avoid liquidation.

• Set Stop-Loss Orders: Using stop-loss orders can automatically close a position before it reaches the liquidation price, thus limiting potential losses.

• Maintain Adequate Margin: Ensuring that the account has sufficient margin can prevent liquidation by keeping the position within the maintenance margin requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I change my liquidation price after opening a position?

A1: No, the liquidation price is determined at the time of opening the position and cannot be changed afterward. However, you can close your position and open a new one with different parameters to adjust your liquidation price.

Q2: What happens if the market price gaps through my liquidation price?

A2: If the market price gaps through your liquidation price, Bybit's system will attempt to close your position at the best available market price. In extreme cases, the Auto-Deleveraging (ADL) system may be used to cover any remaining losses.

Q3: How does Bybit's risk-based priority system for liquidations work?

A3: Bybit's risk-based priority system prioritizes the liquidation of positions based on their risk level. Positions with higher leverage or larger sizes are considered higher risk and are liquidated first to maintain the stability of the platform.

Q4: Can I avoid liquidation by adding more margin to my position?

A4: Yes, adding more margin to your position can help avoid liquidation by increasing the distance between the current market price and your liquidation price. However, this should be done carefully, as it involves committing more funds to the position.