How to calculate the forced liquidation price of Bybit contracts? How to avoid forced liquidation?

Bybit uses a specific formula to calculate the forced liquidation price, considering entry price, leverage, and maintenance margin rate to manage trading risks effectively.

May 03, 2025 at 03:42 pm

Understanding how to calculate the forced liquidation price of Bybit contracts is crucial for any trader looking to manage their risk effectively. Bybit, one of the leading cryptocurrency derivatives exchanges, uses a specific formula to determine the liquidation price for its futures contracts. The forced liquidation price is the point at which your position will be closed automatically by the exchange to prevent further losses. To calculate this, you need to consider several factors, including your entry price, the amount of leverage used, and the maintenance margin requirement.

How to Calculate the Forced Liquidation Price

The forced liquidation price on Bybit can be calculated using the following formula:

• For Long Positions:
  [
  \text{Liquidation Price} = \frac{\text{Entry Price} \times (1 + \text{Maintenance Margin Rate}) - \text{Average Entry Price}}{\text{1 - \text{Maintenance Margin Rate}}}
  ]

• For Short Positions:
  [
  \text{Liquidation Price} = \frac{\text{Entry Price} \times (1 - \text{Maintenance Margin Rate}) + \text{Average Entry Price}}{\text{1 + \text{Maintenance Margin Rate}}}
  ]

Here, the maintenance margin rate is a percentage set by Bybit, which varies depending on the type of contract. For example, if you are trading a USDT Perpetual Contract, the maintenance margin rate is typically around 0.5%.

To break it down with an example:

• Example for a Long Position:
  Suppose you enter a long position on BTC/USDT at an entry price of $30,000 with 10x leverage. The maintenance margin rate is 0.5%.
  [
  \text{Liquidation Price} = \frac{30,000 \times (1 + 0.005) - 30,000}{1 - 0.005} = \frac{30,150 - 30,000}{0.995} = \frac{150}{0.995} \approx 150.75
  ]
  Therefore, the liquidation price would be approximately $29,849.25.

• Example for a Short Position:
  Suppose you enter a short position on BTC/USDT at an entry price of $30,000 with 10x leverage. The maintenance margin rate is 0.5%.
  [
  \text{Liquidation Price} = \frac{30,000 \times (1 - 0.005) + 30,000}{1 + 0.005} = \frac{29,850 + 30,000}{1.005} = \frac{59,850}{1.005} \approx 59,552.24
  ]
  Therefore, the liquidation price would be approximately $30,149.25.

Understanding the Impact of Leverage

Leverage plays a significant role in determining your liquidation price. The higher the leverage, the closer your liquidation price will be to your entry price. This is because higher leverage means you are borrowing more to trade, and thus, the margin required to maintain the position is smaller. Here are some key points to remember:

• Higher Leverage: Increases the risk of liquidation as the liquidation price is closer to the entry price.
• Lower Leverage: Reduces the risk of liquidation as the liquidation price is further from the entry price.

How to Avoid Forced Liquidation

Avoiding forced liquidation involves careful risk management and strategic trading. Here are some effective strategies:

• Use Stop-Loss Orders: A stop-loss order can automatically close your position at a predetermined price, helping you avoid liquidation. To set a stop-loss order on Bybit, follow these steps:

  • Log into your Bybit account.
  • Navigate to the trading interface.
  • Click on the position you want to set a stop-loss for.
  • Enter the desired stop-loss price in the 'Stop Loss' field.
  • Confirm the order.

• Reduce Leverage: Lowering the leverage on your trades can increase the distance between your entry price and liquidation price, giving you more room for price fluctuations.

• Monitor Your Positions: Keep a close eye on your open positions and market conditions. Use Bybit's trading tools and charts to stay informed about price movements.

• Add More Margin: If the market moves against your position, you can add more margin to your account to prevent liquidation. To add margin on Bybit, follow these steps:

  • Log into your Bybit account.
  • Go to the 'Positions' tab.
  • Select the position you want to add margin to.
  • Click on 'Add Margin' and enter the amount you wish to add.
  • Confirm the addition.

• Diversify Your Portfolio: Spreading your investments across different assets can reduce the risk of a single position causing a liquidation.

Using Bybit's Risk Management Tools

Bybit offers several risk management tools that can help you avoid forced liquidation. Here are some of the key tools:

• Position Builder: This tool helps you calculate the potential profit and loss of a trade before entering it, allowing you to see how different leverage levels affect your liquidation price.

• Risk Limit: Bybit sets a risk limit for each position, which determines the maximum amount of leverage you can use. Understanding and adjusting your risk limit can help you manage your exposure.

• Conditional Orders: These allow you to set orders that trigger under specific market conditions, helping you automate your risk management strategy.

Practical Tips for Managing Your Bybit Contracts

Here are some practical tips to help you manage your Bybit contracts effectively:

• Start with Lower Leverage: If you are new to trading futures, start with lower leverage to understand how the market works without risking immediate liquidation.

• Set Realistic Profit Targets: Instead of aiming for large profits quickly, set realistic profit targets and use take-profit orders to secure gains.

• Stay Informed: Keep up with market news and analysis to anticipate price movements that could affect your positions.

• Use Demo Trading: Bybit offers a demo trading account where you can practice trading without risking real funds. Use this to test your strategies and understand how different factors affect your liquidation price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I change my liquidation price after opening a position on Bybit?

A: Yes, you can adjust your liquidation price by adding more margin to your position or by reducing the leverage. Adding margin increases the equity in your account, which can move the liquidation price further away from the current market price.

Q: What happens if my position is liquidated on Bybit?

A: If your position is liquidated, Bybit will automatically close your position at the liquidation price to prevent further losses. Any remaining margin after covering the losses will be returned to your account.

Q: Does Bybit charge a fee for liquidation?

A: Bybit does not charge a direct fee for liquidation. However, you may incur losses due to the difference between the liquidation price and the actual market price at the time of liquidation.

Q: Can I set multiple stop-loss orders for the same position on Bybit?

A: No, Bybit allows only one stop-loss order per position. However, you can use conditional orders to set multiple triggers for different scenarios, which can help you manage your risk more effectively.