How to calculate crypto gains
Quick answer: To calculate crypto gains, add your trades, pick a cost-basis method, set your tax rates and review each sale.
- Add your trades. Type each buy and sell, or import a CSV with columns date, type, asset, quantity, price, fee.
- Pick a cost-basis method. FIFO is the default in many countries. Check which methods your tax authority allows.
- Set your tax rates. Enter your short-term and long-term rates to get an estimate.
- Review each sale. See which purchases each sale used, the holding period and the gain.
FIFO, LIFO and HIFO
FIFO (first in, first out) sells your oldest coins first. LIFO sells the newest first. HIFO sells the most expensive first, which usually gives the smallest gain. The method changes your tax, so use the one your country accepts.
Short-term vs long-term
In many countries, including the US, coins held for more than a year are taxed at a lower long-term rate. This calculator splits every sale by holding period.
Frequently asked questions
Are crypto-to-crypto trades taxable?
In many countries, yes: swapping one coin for another counts as selling. Enter it as a sell of one and a buy of the other.
Do fees reduce my gain?
Yes. Buy fees are added to the cost and sell fees are taken from the proceeds.
Is this tax advice?
No. It's an estimate to help you plan. Tax rules differ by country; check with a tax professional.