How to calculate PnL on Bybit?

On Bybit, PnL helps traders track real-time gains or losses, with Unrealized PnL showing open position value and Realized PnL reflecting closed trade results.

Jul 22, 2025 at 02:21 am

Understanding PnL in Cryptocurrency Trading

In cryptocurrency trading, PnL (Profit and Loss) is a crucial metric that helps traders assess the performance of their positions. On platforms like Bybit, PnL can be calculated for both spot and derivatives trading. It reflects the difference between the entry price and the current market price of a position. Traders use this value to monitor their gains or losses in real-time, which is essential for managing risk and making informed decisions.

Types of PnL on Bybit

Bybit distinguishes between two types of PnL: Realized PnL and Unrealized PnL.

• Realized PnL refers to the profit or loss that is locked in when a position is closed.
• Unrealized PnL represents the current profit or loss of an open position based on the latest market price.

Understanding the difference between these two is vital for traders who want to track their performance accurately. Realized PnL affects your available balance, while Unrealized PnL does not until the position is closed.

How to View PnL on Bybit Interface

Bybit provides a dedicated PnL section in the trading interface for both spot and futures contracts. To access this information:

• Navigate to the "Positions" tab if you're trading futures.
• Look for the "PnL" column, which displays the Unrealized PnL.
• For Realized PnL, go to the "Transaction Records" or "Wallet History" section.

The interface clearly shows positive and negative values, usually in green and red, respectively. This visual distinction helps traders quickly assess the health of their open positions.

Manual Calculation of PnL for Futures Contracts

For those who want to calculate PnL manually, especially for futures contracts, the formula depends on whether the contract is long or short:

• For long positions:
  PnL = (Exit Price - Entry Price) × Position Size

• For short positions:
  PnL = (Entry Price - Exit Price) × Position Size

If the position is still open, replace the Exit Price with the Current Market Price to calculate Unrealized PnL.

Bybit also uses mark price for Unrealized PnL calculations to prevent unfair liquidations due to market manipulation or extreme price volatility.

Calculating PnL in USD Terms

Most traders prefer to view their PnL in USD terms, especially when trading cross-chain or stablecoin pairs.

To calculate PnL in USD, you can use the following formula:

PnL (USD) = (Current Price - Entry Price) × Quantity × Contract Multiplier

This formula applies to perpetual futures contracts. The contract multiplier varies depending on the asset. For example, BTC/USDT perpetual contracts have a multiplier of $1 per contract.

For inverse contracts, the calculation involves crypto denominations, and the PnL is settled in the underlying asset (e.g., BTC) instead of USDT.

Using Bybit's Built-in Tools for PnL Tracking

Bybit offers several tools to help users track and analyze PnL without manual calculations:

• Trade History: Displays all closed trades with their respective Realized PnL.
• Position Panel: Shows Unrealized PnL for open positions.
• Portfolio Dashboard: Provides an overview of overall PnL across all trading pairs and contracts.

These tools are accessible from the main trading interface and update in real-time as market prices fluctuate. Users can also export trade history to spreadsheets for further analysis or tax reporting purposes.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between Unrealized and Realized PnL on Bybit?

A: Unrealized PnL refers to the profit or loss of an open position based on the current market price. Realized PnL is the actual profit or loss after closing a position.

Q: Why is my Unrealized PnL negative on Bybit?

A: A negative Unrealized PnL indicates that your open position is currently at a loss compared to your entry price. This can happen due to adverse price movements.

Q: How does Bybit calculate PnL for inverse futures contracts?

A: For inverse contracts, PnL is calculated in the underlying cryptocurrency (e.g., BTC), not in USDT. The formula used is:
PnL = (1 / Entry Price - 1 / Exit Price) × Position Size × Contract Value

Q: Can I export my PnL data from Bybit for tax purposes?

A: Yes, Bybit allows users to export their trade history in CSV format from the "Transaction Records" section, which includes Realized PnL data for each trade.