BasisOpen terminal

Free · no account

Crypto Liquidation Price Calculator

Liquidation is an exchange risk-control event, not a trading stop. This calculator estimates the level for a simple isolated linear perpetual; actual venues apply maintenance tiers, fees, mark price and account-specific rules.

Contract assumptions

Isolated linear perpetual estimate. Cross and inverse contracts differ.

Position side

Estimated liquidation

Approximation

Liquidation price

$90.50

Distance from entry

9.5%

Initial margin fraction

10%

Maintenance margin

0.5%

Actual exchange liquidation can be closer because of maintenance tiers, closing fees, mark price, cross collateral and venue-specific rules. Never use this estimate as a stop.

Formula and assumptions

Long estimate

Entry × (1 − 1/leverage + MMR)

An approximation for isolated linear contracts before venue-specific adjustments.

Short estimate

Entry × (1 + 1/leverage − MMR)

The mirrored approximation for a short position.

Liquidation distance

| Entry − liquidation | ÷ entry

Percentage move from entry to the estimated liquidation level.

Margin

Notional ÷ leverage

Collateral allocated to support exposure; it is not the same as controlled stop risk.

How to use the result

  1. 01

    Match the contract

    Confirm that the position is an isolated, linear perpetual. Inverse contracts and cross margin require different mathematics and account context.

  2. 02

    Use the venue MMR

    Maintenance margin depends on exchange and position tier. The default is an illustration, not a universal rate.

  3. 03

    Keep the stop before liquidation

    The planned invalidation should execute comfortably before the exchange takes control. If liquidation is closer than the structural stop, leverage is too high.

  4. 04

    Allow for mark price and fees

    Liquidation usually follows mark price, not the last traded price, and closing fees can move the true threshold closer.

What the number can get wrong

  • Using the estimated liquidation price as the intended stop-loss.
  • Applying an isolated-margin formula to cross margin, where other collateral changes the threshold.
  • Assuming every venue uses the same maintenance-margin rate and tier ladder.
  • Watching last price while the venue liquidates from mark price.

Questions

Is this liquidation price exact?+

No. It is a transparent estimate for isolated linear perpetuals. Exact liquidation depends on the exchange formula, maintenance tier, mark price, fees and account margin.

Why is the real liquidation closer than a simple estimate?+

Maintenance margin, closing fees and tier rules reserve equity before the position reaches a zero-balance price. Exchanges may also use mark price rather than the displayed last trade.

How can I move liquidation farther away?+

Reduce notional exposure, lower leverage or add isolated margin where the venue permits it. The safer solution is usually a smaller position sized from a stop that occurs well before liquidation.

Move the calculation onto the chart

Basis can place entry, stop and targets on a live chart and calculate size beside market structure. The terminal also models fees, funding, margin and warnings in one plan.

Open the free risk workspace

Related calculators

Position sizeOpen tool Risk / rewardOpen tool ExpectancyOpen tool

Updated 2026-08-26 · Estimates depend on the inputs and assumptions shown. Educational use only, not financial advice.