What is the difference between realized and unrealized loss in the context of cryptocurrency?

5 answers

• Harsh SoniJun 28, 2025 · 24 days ago
  Realized loss refers to the loss that occurs when a cryptocurrency is sold or exchanged for another asset at a price lower than its original purchase price. This loss becomes tangible as it is realized through the actual transaction. On the other hand, unrealized loss refers to the decrease in the value of a cryptocurrency that has not been sold or exchanged. It represents a paper loss as it is only on paper until the digital asset is sold. Both realized and unrealized losses are important to consider when evaluating the overall performance of a cryptocurrency investment portfolio.
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• Maskorul AlamOct 22, 2022 · 3 years ago
  Imagine you bought a cryptocurrency at $10,000 and its current market value is $8,000. If you sell it now, you will realize a loss of $2,000, which is the difference between the purchase price and the selling price. This is a realized loss. However, if you decide to hold onto the cryptocurrency and its value further decreases to $6,000, the additional $2,000 decrease in value would be considered an unrealized loss. It's important to note that unrealized losses can become realized losses if the cryptocurrency is eventually sold at a lower price.
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• Ofppt inzeganeJun 23, 2024 · a year ago
  Realized and unrealized losses are crucial concepts in the world of cryptocurrency investing. When you sell a cryptocurrency at a lower price than what you initially paid for it, you incur a realized loss. This loss is realized because you have completed the transaction and actually lost money. On the other hand, unrealized losses occur when the value of your cryptocurrency holdings decreases but you have not sold them yet. These losses are only on paper until you decide to sell the digital assets. It's important to keep track of both realized and unrealized losses to make informed investment decisions and manage risk effectively.
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• Lethargic DeveloperJul 20, 2022 · 3 years ago
  In the context of cryptocurrency, realized loss refers to the loss that is incurred when you sell your digital assets at a lower price than what you originally paid for them. This loss is realized because you have completed the transaction and the loss becomes tangible. On the other hand, unrealized loss refers to the decrease in the value of your cryptocurrency holdings that you have not sold yet. This loss is unrealized because it is only on paper until you decide to sell the digital assets. Both realized and unrealized losses play a role in determining the overall profitability of your cryptocurrency investments.
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• Minn KhantMay 07, 2022 · 3 years ago
  Realized and unrealized losses are important concepts to understand in the world of cryptocurrency. Realized loss occurs when you sell your cryptocurrency at a lower price than what you bought it for, resulting in an actual loss of funds. Unrealized loss, on the other hand, refers to the decrease in value of your cryptocurrency holdings that you have not sold. It's like seeing the value of your investment go down on paper, but you haven't actually lost any money until you sell. Both types of losses are important to consider when evaluating your investment strategy and managing risk in the volatile cryptocurrency market.
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