What is the difference between Bybit leverage and contracts? Which one is more suitable for short-term trading?

Bybit offers leverage to amplify trading positions and contracts for buying/selling assets at set prices, both useful for short-term trading strategies.

May 08, 2025 at 11:00 am

Introduction to Bybit Leverage and Contracts

Bybit is a popular cryptocurrency exchange known for its futures trading capabilities. Two of the key features offered by Bybit are leverage and contracts. Understanding the difference between these two is crucial for traders, especially those interested in short-term trading. Leverage allows traders to amplify their trading position beyond their initial capital, while contracts refer to the standardized agreements to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price. In this article, we will explore the differences between Bybit leverage and contracts and determine which is more suitable for short-term trading.

Understanding Bybit Leverage

Leverage on Bybit is a tool that allows traders to increase their exposure to the market with a smaller initial investment. The leverage ratio determines how much a trader can borrow against their initial margin. For example, with a 100x leverage, a trader can control a position 100 times larger than their initial capital. This can significantly amplify both potential profits and losses.

To use leverage on Bybit, follow these steps:

• Log into your Bybit account.
• Navigate to the futures trading section.
• Select the cryptocurrency pair you want to trade.
• Choose your leverage ratio from the available options.
• Enter the amount you want to trade and confirm the order.

It's important to note that while leverage can increase potential returns, it also increases the risk of significant losses. Traders must manage their positions carefully and use risk management tools like stop-loss orders.

Understanding Bybit Contracts

Bybit offers various types of contracts, including inverse perpetual contracts and USDT perpetual contracts. Contracts are agreements to buy or sell a specific amount of a cryptocurrency at a future date at a price agreed upon today. The key difference between inverse and USDT perpetual contracts lies in the settlement currency and the way they are priced.

Inverse perpetual contracts are settled in the underlying cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. For example, a Bitcoin inverse perpetual contract is settled in Bitcoin. USDT perpetual contracts, on the other hand, are settled in USDT, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar.

To trade contracts on Bybit, follow these steps:

• Log into your Bybit account.
• Go to the futures trading section.
• Choose the type of contract you want to trade (inverse or USDT perpetual).
• Select the cryptocurrency pair.
• Enter the amount and price at which you want to trade.
• Confirm the order.

Contracts allow traders to speculate on the price movements of cryptocurrencies without owning the underlying asset. They are popular among traders looking to hedge their positions or take advantage of short-term price movements.

Comparing Bybit Leverage and Contracts

While both leverage and contracts are essential tools for traders on Bybit, they serve different purposes and have different implications for trading strategies.

Leverage is primarily a tool to increase the size of a trading position. It does not change the nature of the asset being traded but amplifies the trader's exposure to market movements. Leverage can be applied to both spot and futures trading, but it is most commonly used in futures trading due to the higher potential returns and risks.

Contracts, on the other hand, are specific financial instruments that allow traders to buy or sell an asset at a future date. Contracts come with predefined terms, such as the contract size, expiration date, and settlement currency. They are designed to facilitate trading and hedging strategies without the need for physical delivery of the underlying asset.

Suitability for Short-Term Trading

When it comes to short-term trading, both leverage and contracts can be useful, but they cater to different aspects of trading strategies.

Leverage is particularly appealing for short-term traders looking to capitalize on small price movements. By using high leverage, traders can open larger positions with less capital, potentially leading to higher profits if the market moves in their favor. However, the increased risk of significant losses makes it crucial for traders to have a solid risk management strategy in place.

Contracts, specifically perpetual contracts, are also suitable for short-term trading. Perpetual contracts do not have an expiration date, allowing traders to hold positions indefinitely. This feature makes them ideal for short-term traders who want to take advantage of intraday price movements without worrying about contract expiration. Additionally, the ability to go long or short on contracts provides flexibility in trading strategies.

Choosing Between Leverage and Contracts for Short-Term Trading

For short-term trading, the choice between leverage and contracts depends on the trader's strategy and risk tolerance.

• If a trader is focused on maximizing potential returns with a smaller initial investment, leverage might be the preferred choice. However, this comes with the caveat of increased risk, and traders must be prepared to manage their positions actively.

• If a trader is more interested in flexibility and the ability to hedge positions, contracts might be more suitable. Perpetual contracts, in particular, offer the advantage of no expiration date, making them ideal for short-term trading strategies.

Ultimately, many short-term traders use a combination of leverage and contracts to optimize their trading strategies. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each tool, traders can make informed decisions that align with their trading goals and risk tolerance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use leverage on Bybit without trading contracts?

A: Yes, leverage can be used on Bybit for both spot and futures trading. However, it is most commonly used in futures trading due to the higher potential returns and risks associated with leveraged positions.

Q: What are the risks of using high leverage on Bybit?

A: High leverage increases the potential for both profits and losses. The main risk is that even small adverse price movements can result in significant losses, potentially leading to liquidation of the trader's position if the margin falls below the required level.

Q: How do I choose between inverse and USDT perpetual contracts on Bybit?

A: The choice between inverse and USDT perpetual contracts depends on your trading preferences and risk management strategy. Inverse perpetual contracts are settled in the underlying cryptocurrency, which can be beneficial if you want to hold the cryptocurrency. USDT perpetual contracts are settled in USDT, which can be more straightforward for managing profits and losses in a stablecoin.

Q: Can I switch between different leverage ratios during an open position on Bybit?

A: Yes, Bybit allows traders to adjust their leverage ratio during an open position. However, changing the leverage ratio can affect the margin requirements and the potential for liquidation, so it should be done with caution.