PnL (Profit and Loss) represents the financial outcome of your trades:
Realized Profit and Loss
This is the actual profit or loss after a trade is closed. You buy, you sell — the numbers become final.
Example:
Purchase 1 BTC for £70,000 → Sell for £80,000
Realized profit = £10,000 profit
Unrealized Profit and Loss (Floating Profit and Loss)
This is the potential profit or loss while your trade is still open.
Example:
Your open Bitcoin trade has risen by £2,000 — this gain only counts as real when you realize the profit.
Unrealized profits and losses fluctuate with price changes.
Understanding the differences can prevent overconfidence and panic decisions.
Simple formula for realizing profit and loss
Profit or Loss = (Selling Price − Buying Price) × Quantity
Example:
Purchased 5 coins of ETH for £2,800
Sell for £3,200
PnL = (3,200 − 2,800) × 5 = £2,000 profit
Profit and Loss Including Trading Fees
Smart traders always consider transaction costs:
PnL = (Sales Revenue - Purchase Cost - Expenses)
Even small fees can have an impact over hundreds of transactions.
percentage profit and loss
Percentage Profit and Loss = [(Selling Price − Buying Price) / Buying Price] × 100
Percentage returns help compare different coins and positions.
This is where things get exciting - and also full of risks.
When using leverage, profits and losses are magnified:
PnL depends on:
Traders must closely monitor their profits and losses, or they will face liquidation in a fast market.
Help you make more informed decisions
PnL shows which strategies are effective and which strategies consume capital.
Control emotions
Trading should be mathematical. Profit and loss analysis can reduce the fear of missing opportunities and mistakes driven by fear.
Cultivate discipline and long-term growth
Achieve victory by protecting capital and smartly compounding.
Show when to profit
Your goal is not to guess the top – but to lock in profits before the trend reverses. Successful traders do not chase – they plan.
| strategy | How does it help your PnL |
|---|---|
| Use stop loss | Prevent catastrophic losses |
| Start profiting in the area | Continuous Lock-in Earnings |
| Track Win Rate/Loss Rate | Identify strengths and weaknesses |
| Avoid excessive leverage | Reduce settlement risk |
| Follow market momentum | Go with the flow, not against it. |
Every small improvement will accumulate into greater long-term profits.
Gate.com offers to UK traders:
When your data is clear, your profit potential increases.
Trade where your strategy has room for growth.
Crypto Assets bull market has created huge opportunities. The smartest traders:
PnL mastery is how ordinary investors become market survivors - ultimately becoming market winners.
PnL is not just a number. It is an indicator that encompasses your trading performance, mindset, discipline, and financial future. When you analyze PnL correctly, you gain the clarity needed to remain bullish, align with trends, and lock in profits before the hype fades.
Trade boldly, track your journey, and optimize your strategy with the right tools. Gate.com provides traders with the insights and execution needed to unlock a profitable future. The bullish market rewards those who are prepared. Use PnL to stay ahead of the crowd.
What is the difference between realized and unrealized gains and losses?
The realized profit and loss is the final result after closing the position. The unrealized profit and loss will change with market prices.
Should beginners track their profits and losses daily?
Yes. Tracking profits and losses establishes discipline and quickly reveals areas for improvement.
How does leverage affect profits and losses?
Leverage amplifies profits and losses — please manage carefully.
Can good profits still cover risks?
Yes. Some lucky victories do not guarantee a strong strategy. Consistency is important.
Where can I automatically track my PnL?
Gate.com provides real-time profit and loss visualization and analysis for confident trading.
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