$ qubo learn foundations/01

Read your portfolio: cost basis and P&L

track Foundationslevel beginnerread 6 min

A portfolio tracker answers two different questions: what your holdings are worth now, and how that compares with what you paid. The second question needs a reference point, called the cost basis.

The cost basis is the total amount paid for a position, including fees. If you bought 0.5 BTC in two steps, at $60,000 and then at $70,000 for 0.25 BTC each, your cost basis is $32,500 and your average cost is $65,000 per BTC.

Unrealised P&L is the gap between the current value and the cost basis of what you still hold. It moves with the price and becomes final only when you sell. Realised P&L is the gain or loss already locked in by a sale.

Both numbers matter for different reasons. Unrealised P&L describes exposure to the market today. Realised P&L is what usually matters for tax records, since in many countries tax applies to disposals, not to price changes.

// rule to remember

unrealised P&L = current value − cost basis of what you still hold

// your turn

In the Terminal, open Portfolio and note the unrealised P&L of your largest position. Then check whether any realised P&L is shown for assets you have already sold.

Educational content only. Not investment advice. Past data does not predict future results. Risk disclosure