Cost Basis vs FIFO (First In, First Out)

Quick comparison to help you distinguish these two crypto terms.

Cost Basis
beginner
fundamentals

Cost basis is the total original amount you paid to acquire a cryptocurrency position, including purchase price and any transaction fees, used to calculate profit or loss.

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FIFO (First In, First Out)
intermediate
strategy

A cost basis accounting method that assumes the first cryptocurrency units purchased are the first units sold, applying the oldest acquisition costs to each disposal for tax calculation purposes.

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