Maker and taker describe how an order executes
Maker/taker treatment follows liquidity interaction, not just the order label. An immediately executing limit order can take liquidity; a resting order can add it. Check the rules of the specific product.
Consequently, “I used a limit order” is not enough to identify the fee. For this guide, focus on the distinction rather than assuming a rate. Provider rules and account tiers require a current check.
Evidence: Coinbase Advanced fees
Calculate a percentage on the right amount
The basic fee model is notional × percentage / 100. For a hypothetical $1,000 execution at 0.4%, that is $4. The same assumed notional at 0.2% is $2. These are arithmetic examples, not named exchange quotes.
A percentage input of 0.4 means 0.4%, not 40% or 0.004%. Confirm whether the tool expects percentages or decimals and verify one small example before relying on a larger scenario.
The exit amount can be different
Consider two units bought at $100 and sold at $110. Entry notional is $200; exit notional is $220. With an illustrative 0.1% on each side, the fees are $0.20 and $0.22, or $0.42 total.
The P&L tool uses the actual entered entry and exit prices for those notionals. The fee comparator’s two-leg setting instead doubles the fee on one unchanged notional. Use the tool that matches the question, and do not treat these two assumptions as interchangeable.
| Measure | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Gross profit | 2 × ($110 − $100) | $20.00 |
| Entry fee | $200 × 0.1% | $0.20 |
| Exit fee | $220 × 0.1% | $0.22 |
| Net before other costs | $20 − $0.42 | $19.58 |
Spread and slippage are separate concepts
The spread is the gap between an available bid and ask at an observation time. Slippage describes a difference between a chosen reference price and actual execution. A meaningful estimate needs an explicit reference, order size and observation or execution method.
Neither measure is a universal surcharge that can be inferred from the fee percentage. A hypothetical low stated fee does not establish low total cost. An execution can involve several prices, partial fills and changing liquidity.
Record excluded costs
Depending on the product and activity, conversion, borrowing, funding, deposit, withdrawal and network charges may matter. Do not add a generic allowance and claim it captures every account. Some costs apply at different stages rather than per trade.
Keep the fee rate’s source, tier, pair, product and review date beside the estimate. An account-specific schedule should not be replaced with an apparently comparable headline from another product.
Evidence: Kraken product fee schedules
Choose an appropriate modeling tool
Use the fee comparator when you want to inspect simple assumed percentage differences. Use the P&L calculator when you have separate hypothetical entry and exit prices. Neither is an executable quote.
After calculating, list what is still unknown. If the purpose is understanding a cost, stop there: a lower modeled percentage is not a reason to trade more, change venue or seek a different account tier.
Sources & method
- Coinbase Advanced fees
Official product documentation. Account-specific information was not accessed; this is not Coinbase Exchange pricing. Checked 2026-10-28.
- Kraken product fee schedules
Official schedules cover different products. No rate here is an executable quote or a safety assessment. Checked 2026-10-28.
Continue learning
Found an error? Contact the editorial team with the page and supporting source. Never send private account information.