What is the profit and loss calculation method of Bybit contract? How to quickly estimate the income?

Bybit's P&L calculation varies by contract type: inverse perpetual uses (1/Entry - 1/Exit) Size Contracts, while USDT perpetual uses (Exit - Entry) Size Contracts.

May 05, 2025 at 10:35 pm

Bybit is a popular cryptocurrency exchange known for its futures and derivatives trading platform. Understanding the profit and loss (P&L) calculation method for Bybit contracts is essential for traders to effectively manage their positions and estimate their income. This article will delve into the specifics of how Bybit calculates P&L for its contracts and provide a method for quickly estimating income.

Understanding Bybit Contracts

Bybit offers various types of contracts, including inverse perpetual contracts and USDT perpetual contracts. Inverse perpetual contracts are denominated in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and are settled in the same cryptocurrency. USDT perpetual contracts are denominated in USDT, a stablecoin, and are settled in USDT. The type of contract you trade will affect how P&L is calculated.

Basic P&L Calculation for Bybit Contracts

The basic formula for calculating P&L on Bybit contracts is straightforward but depends on the type of contract. For inverse perpetual contracts, the P&L is calculated as follows:

• P&L = (1/Entry Price - 1/Exit Price) Contract Size Number of Contracts

For USDT perpetual contracts, the calculation is slightly different:

• P&L = (Exit Price - Entry Price) Contract Size Number of Contracts

Here, Entry Price is the price at which you entered the trade, Exit Price is the price at which you exited the trade, Contract Size is the size of each contract, and Number of Contracts is the number of contracts you traded.

Detailed Example of P&L Calculation

Let's go through a detailed example to illustrate how to calculate P&L for both types of contracts.

Inverse Perpetual Contract Example

Assume you are trading BTC/USD inverse perpetual contracts. The contract size for BTC/USD is 1 USD, and you buy 10 contracts at an entry price of 50,000 USD. Later, you decide to sell at an exit price of 52,000 USD.

Using the formula for inverse perpetual contracts:

• P&L = (1/50,000 - 1/52,000) 1 10
• P&L = (0.00002 - 0.00001923) 10
• P&L = 0.00000077 10
• P&L = 0.0000077 BTC

To convert this to USD, you would multiply by the current BTC price. If the current BTC price is 52,000 USD:

• P&L in USD = 0.0000077 52,000 = 0.4004 USD

USDT Perpetual Contract Example

Now, let's consider a USDT perpetual contract. Assume you are trading ETH/USDT contracts. The contract size for ETH/USDT is 1 USDT, and you buy 10 contracts at an entry price of 3,000 USDT. Later, you sell at an exit price of 3,200 USDT.

Using the formula for USDT perpetual contracts:

• P&L = (3,200 - 3,000) 1 10
• P&L = 200 10
• P&L = 2,000 USDT

Quick Estimation of Income

To quickly estimate your income from Bybit contracts, you can use a simplified approach based on the percentage change in price. This method is particularly useful for quick calculations during trading.

Percentage Change Method

The percentage change method involves calculating the percentage change in price and then applying it to your initial investment.

• Percentage Change = (Exit Price - Entry Price) / Entry Price 100
• Estimated Income = Initial Investment (Percentage Change / 100)

For example, if you invested 1,000 USDT in a USDT perpetual contract at an entry price of 3,000 USDT and the exit price is 3,200 USDT:

• Percentage Change = (3,200 - 3,000) / 3,000 100 = 6.67%
• Estimated Income = 1,000 (6.67 / 100) = 66.7 USDT

This method provides a quick way to estimate your income without needing to calculate the exact P&L.

Factors Affecting P&L Calculation

Several factors can affect the P&L calculation on Bybit contracts, including:

• Leverage: Bybit allows traders to use leverage, which can amplify both profits and losses. The higher the leverage, the more significant the impact on P&L.
• Funding Rates: For perpetual contracts, funding rates are paid or received periodically. These rates can affect the overall P&L of a position.
• Liquidation: If a position is liquidated due to insufficient margin, the P&L will be affected by the liquidation price and any associated fees.

Using Bybit's P&L Calculator

Bybit provides a built-in P&L calculator that can help traders quickly estimate their potential profits and losses. Here's how to use it:

• Log into your Bybit account
• Navigate to the trading interface
• Select the contract you are trading
• Enter your entry price, exit price, and the number of contracts
• The P&L calculator will display your estimated P&L based on the current market conditions

Using the P&L calculator can save time and provide a more accurate estimate of your potential income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does leverage affect the P&L calculation on Bybit contracts?

A: Leverage amplifies both profits and losses. If you use 10x leverage, for example, a 1% move in the market will result in a 10% change in your P&L. This means that while leverage can increase potential profits, it also increases the risk of significant losses.

Q: What are funding rates, and how do they impact P&L on Bybit contracts?

A: Funding rates are periodic payments made between traders to keep the perpetual contract price aligned with the spot price. If you are long and the funding rate is positive, you will pay the funding rate to short traders. Conversely, if you are short and the funding rate is negative, you will receive the funding rate from long traders. These payments can affect your overall P&L.

Q: Can I use the percentage change method for all types of Bybit contracts?

A: The percentage change method can be used for quick estimations, but it is most accurate for USDT perpetual contracts. For inverse perpetual contracts, the calculation is more complex due to the inverse nature of the contract, so it's better to use the specific formula provided by Bybit.

Q: How can I avoid liquidation and protect my P&L on Bybit?

A: To avoid liquidation, you should monitor your margin level closely and adjust your position size or add more margin if necessary. Using stop-loss orders can also help protect your P&L by automatically closing your position if the market moves against you.