How to calculate Bybit funding rate? How often is it settled?

Bybit's funding rate, settled every 8 hours, keeps perpetual futures aligned with spot prices; traders pay or receive based on their positions and the rate's sign.

May 17, 2025 at 12:49 pm

Understanding the Bybit funding rate is crucial for traders who engage in perpetual futures contracts. Bybit's funding rate is a mechanism designed to keep the price of perpetual futures contracts closely aligned with the spot price of the underlying asset. This article will guide you through the calculation of the Bybit funding rate and explain how often it is settled.

What is the Bybit Funding Rate?

The funding rate on Bybit is a periodic payment made between traders based on the difference between the perpetual contract market price and the spot price. If the funding rate is positive, long position holders pay short position holders. Conversely, if the funding rate is negative, short position holders pay long position holders. This mechanism helps ensure that the perpetual contract price does not deviate significantly from the spot price over time.

How to Calculate the Bybit Funding Rate

Calculating the Bybit funding rate involves several components. The formula used by Bybit is:

[ \text{Funding Rate} = \text{Clamp} \left( \frac{\text{Interest Rate} - \text{Premium Index}}{1 - \text{Premium Index}}, -0.00075, 0.00075 \right) ]

Here's a breakdown of each component:

• Interest Rate: This is the average of the latest interest rates of the top market makers. Bybit uses a fixed interest rate of 0.03% for all trading pairs.
• Premium Index: This is the difference between the perpetual contract's mark price and the spot price, averaged over a period. It reflects the market's expectation of the future price of the underlying asset.
• Clamp Function: This function ensures that the funding rate does not exceed certain limits, set at -0.075% and 0.075% per 8-hour period.

To calculate the funding rate, follow these steps:

• Determine the Premium Index: Calculate the average difference between the perpetual contract's mark price and the spot price over the past 8 hours.
• Subtract the Premium Index from the Interest Rate: Use the fixed interest rate of 0.03% and subtract the Premium Index.
• Divide by One Minus the Premium Index: This adjusts the rate to account for the leverage effect.
• Apply the Clamp Function: Ensure the result falls within the range of -0.075% to 0.075%.

Example Calculation of the Bybit Funding Rate

Let's go through an example to illustrate how to calculate the Bybit funding rate.

Assume the following values:

• Interest Rate: 0.03%
• Premium Index: 0.02%

Using the formula:

[ \text{Funding Rate} = \text{Clamp} \left( \frac{0.03\% - 0.02\%}{1 - 0.02\%}, -0.075\%, 0.075\% \right) ]

[ \text{Funding Rate} = \text{Clamp} \left( \frac{0.01\%}{0.98\%} \right) ]

[ \text{Funding Rate} = \text{Clamp} \left( 0.0102\% \right) ]

Since 0.0102% falls within the range of -0.075% to 0.075%, the funding rate is 0.0102%.

How Often is the Bybit Funding Rate Settled?

The Bybit funding rate is settled every 8 hours. Specifically, the settlements occur at:

• 00:00 UTC
• 08:00 UTC
• 16:00 UTC

During each settlement period, the funding rate is calculated based on the data from the previous 8-hour period. Traders with open positions at the time of settlement will either pay or receive the funding fee, depending on whether they hold long or short positions and the sign of the funding rate.

Impact of Funding Rate on Trading

The funding rate can have a significant impact on trading strategies. Traders need to be aware of the funding rate to manage their positions effectively. For instance, if the funding rate is consistently positive, holding a long position will result in additional costs, which could erode profits. Conversely, a consistently negative funding rate could benefit long position holders while increasing costs for short position holders.

Viewing the Funding Rate on Bybit

To view the current and historical funding rates on Bybit, follow these steps:

• Log into your Bybit account.
• Navigate to the trading interface for the perpetual contract you are interested in.
• Look for the "Funding Rate" section, which displays the current funding rate and the next funding time.
• Click on the "Funding History" tab to see past funding rates and payments.

By monitoring the funding rate, traders can make more informed decisions about when to enter or exit positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the funding rate on Bybit be zero?

A: Yes, the funding rate can be zero if the Premium Index equals the Interest Rate. In this case, the numerator in the funding rate formula becomes zero, resulting in a funding rate of zero.

Q: What happens if I close my position before the funding rate is settled?

A: If you close your position before the funding rate settlement, you will not be subject to the funding fee for that settlement period. However, any funding fees accrued up to the point of closing will still apply.

Q: Is the funding rate the same for all trading pairs on Bybit?

A: No, the funding rate can vary between different trading pairs due to differences in the Premium Index and market conditions. However, the Interest Rate used in the calculation is the same across all pairs at 0.03%.

Q: Can I predict the funding rate?

A: While it's challenging to predict the funding rate with certainty, traders can use historical data and market analysis to make educated guesses. Monitoring the Premium Index and understanding market sentiment can help in anticipating potential shifts in the funding rate.