Cost Basis vs Unrealized Gain/Loss

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.

Read full definition
Unrealized Gain/Loss
beginner
fundamentals

An unrealized gain or loss is the difference between what you paid for a cryptocurrency and its current market value, existing only on paper until you actually sell the asset.

Read full definition
Browse full glossaryGet platform access