How to calculate profit and loss (PnL) on Bybit?

Jul 08, 2025 at 04:35 pm

Understanding Profit and Loss (PnL) Calculation on Bybit

Profit and Loss (PnL) is a crucial metric for traders on Bybit, especially those involved in spot trading or futures contracts. Accurately calculating PnL helps traders assess their performance, manage risk, and optimize strategies. Whether you're trading BTC/USDT or leveraging positions with 100x leverage, understanding how Bybit computes your gains and losses is essential.

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Spot Trading vs Futures Trading: Key Differences in PnL Calculation

In spot trading, the calculation of PnL is straightforward. It's based on the difference between your entry price and exit price, multiplied by the amount of asset traded. For example, if you buy 0.1 BTC at $30,000 and sell it later at $32,000, your profit would be (32,000 – 30,000) 0.1 = $200**.

In contrast, futures trading involves more complex calculations due to leverage, funding fees, and position size. The formula used here is:

*Realized PnL = (Exit Price - Entry Price) Position Size**

If you open a long position of 1 BTC with 10x leverage at $30,000, and close it at $32,000, your realized PnL would be *(32,000 – 30,000) 1 = $2,000. However, since you're using 10x leverage, your initial margin was $3,000 (10% of $30,000), so your return on investment (ROI) becomes 66.7%.

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How Does Leverage Affect Your PnL?

Leverage amplifies both profits and losses. On Bybit, users can trade with up to 100x leverage depending on the market and account tier. While this increases potential returns, it also raises the risk of liquidation.

For instance, if you take a short position of 1 BTC at $30,000 with 50x leverage, and the price rises to $30,500, your loss could be significant. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Position Value: $30,000 1 BTC = $30,000
• Margin Used: $30,000 / 50 = $600
• Price Change: $500
• Loss: *$500 1 BTC = $500**
• Percentage Loss: $500 / $600 = 83.3%

This means that even a small adverse move can result in substantial losses when high leverage is used.

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Realized vs Unrealized PnL: What’s the Difference?

On Bybit, there are two types of PnL:

• Unrealized PnL: This refers to the profit or loss of an open position that hasn't been closed yet.
• Realized PnL: This is the actual profit or loss once the position has been closed.

Let’s say you opened a long position of 0.1 BTC at $30,000, and the current price is $31,000. Your unrealized PnL would be:

*(31,000 – 30,000) 0.1 = $100**

Once you close the position, this becomes realized PnL. If you close at $31,000, you gain $100; if you close at $29,500, you lose $50.

Understanding these values helps in tracking live performance and making informed decisions about closing or adjusting positions.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Viewing PnL on Bybit

To monitor your profit and loss effectively, follow these steps:

• Log in to your Bybit account.
• Navigate to the "Trade" section located at the top of the dashboard.
• Select either "Spot" or "Futures" depending on your trade type.
• Look for the "Positions" tab under the Futures section if you’re holding open trades.
• Click on "History" or "Order History" to view all completed trades and their respective PnL.
• Use the "Profit & Loss" tab in your account settings to see a summary of daily, weekly, and monthly performance.

Bybit also offers a PnL chart that visualizes your trading history over time, allowing for better analysis and strategy adjustments.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where can I find my total PnL on Bybit?

You can find your total PnL in the "Profit & Loss" section of your account dashboard. This includes both realized and unrealized gains or losses from all your trading activities.

Q: Why is my unrealized PnL negative?

Your unrealized PnL appears negative when the current market price is unfavorable compared to your entry price. This doesn’t mean you’ve lost money permanently unless you close the position at that price.

Q: Can funding fees affect my futures PnL on Bybit?

Yes, funding fees are applied periodically in perpetual futures contracts and can either add to or reduce your overall PnL depending on whether you're long or short and the direction of the funding rate.

Q: Is PnL calculated differently for USDT-margined and USDⓈ-margined contracts?

Yes, while the basic principle remains the same, USDT-margined contracts settle in Tether (USDT), whereas USDⓈ-margined contracts use Binance Coin (BNB) or other coins as margin. This affects how profits and losses are reflected in your wallet.