Hold quantity and assumed fee rate constant
Use a fictional entry price of $100, two units and a fee rate of 0.1% per side. Compare exit prices of $110 and $90 for each direction. None of these numbers is a quote, recommended position or forecast.
The form has one fee rate for both entry and exit. It does not represent two different execution rates, an exchange statement or a margin account. Start with supported assumptions rather than stretching the interface into a more complex model.
Evidence: CryptoTrades P&L calculator
Separate direction from fees
Gross long P&L is (exit − entry) × units. Gross short P&L reverses that sign. Modeled fees are (entry + exit) × units × fee percentage / 100, so both legs contribute even when the price result is negative.
With the stated inputs and a $110 exit, fees are $0.42. With a $90 exit, they are $0.38. The difference comes from exit notional; it is not a reward or penalty associated with choosing Long or Short.
Evidence: CryptoTrades P&L calculator
Compare the four hypothetical outcomes
The table keeps the $100 entry, two units and 0.1% assumed rate fixed. At each exit price, the direction changes gross P&L but not the fee total.
“Net” here means net of those modeled percentage trading fees only. It is not an after-tax return or a complete economic result for a short position.
| Direction / exit | Gross | Fees | Modeled net |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long / $110 | $20 | $0.42 | $19.58 |
| Long / $90 | −$20 | $0.38 | −$20.38 |
| Short / $90 | $20 | $0.38 | $19.62 |
| Short / $110 | −$20 | $0.42 | −$20.42 |
Check what the percentage uses as its denominator
Entry notional is $100 × 2 = $200. Dividing $19.58 by $200 gives 9.79%; dividing $19.62 by $200 gives 9.81%. The different fee-adjusted results follow from different exit notionals.
Those are not returns on collateral, cash deposited or the entire account. The model has no margin-balance input. Do not multiply the displayed result by a leverage label and describe it as a verified account outcome.
Evidence: CryptoTrades P&L calculator
An unchanged price can still produce a loss
With both prices at $100, gross P&L is zero and total assumed fees are $0.40. Modeled net P&L is therefore −$0.40 for either direction under these simplified inputs.
A favorable price move can also be too small to cover fees. Change one input at a time and compare gross with net rather than treating a positive price difference as a positive modeled result automatically.
Know what this short example does not establish
The calculator does not arrange borrowing, validate collateral, determine liquidation or include funding and financing charges. It cannot confirm that an actual short is available or suitable, and losses on short exposure can exceed an initial deposit.
For use questions, keep fictional inputs and the direction with the result. The tool does not submit an order, import fills or preserve a realized-trade ledger. Use the separate manual tracker for a holdings snapshot within its own limitations.
Sources & method
- CryptoTrades P&L calculator
Direction, gross result, two-leg percentage fee formula and entry-notional return checked against the implementation. Checked 2026-10-29.
Continue learning
Found an error? Contact the editorial team with the page and supporting source. Never send private account information.