How to Calculate PnL in Crypto Futures (with ROE)

Your profit and loss (PnL) on a futures trade is simpler than it looks — and knowing it before you open keeps you honest about risk and reward. (General information, not financial advice.)

The PnL formula

For a position, PnL = (exit − entry) × quantity for a long, and (entry − exit) × quantity for a short. Your quantity is the position notional divided by entry. So a $1,000 position at $60,000 entry is 0.0167 BTC; if BTC rises to $63,000, your long PnL is (63,000 − 60,000) × 0.0167 = +$50.

PnL vs ROE — don't confuse them

That $50 is your dollar PnL. ROE (return on equity) measures it against your margin: with 10x leverage, the $1,000 position needs $100 margin, so $50 PnL = 50% ROE. Leverage doesn't change your dollar PnL — it changes the % return on the margin you posted (and how close liquidation sits). See ROE vs ROI.

Know it before you open

Run your entry, exit and size through the PnL calculator before the trade, so your take-profit and stop are based on real numbers, not hope. Then size with the position size calculator and practice the whole flow on the Paper Trade terminal.