Tick value answers: if the quote moves by one model tick, how much does P/L move in USD for my current size? On MyCryptoCal, “lots” are modeled as position in base coins for USD-quoted pairs (see each tool’s notes). Your exchange may label size in contracts, notional, or margin—map to the same economic exposure before comparing numbers.
From ticks to money at exit
If you know tick value at the open, you can estimate outcome for a planned exit: tick move × tick value (with sign for long vs short). Realized P&L also includes fees, spread, funding on perps, and borrow on margin spot—this site’s P/L calculator is a simplified mid-price model, not your ticket.
One pitfall: mixing tick definitions
Confirm whether your journal counts minimum exchange ticks or a coarser step. Consistency prevents accidental risk doubling.
Use the tick value calculator and profit/loss calculator to rehearse scenarios before you commit size live.
Building a before-and-after snapshot
Before you enter, note tick value at the intended final size, your stop in ticks, and the implied loss if the stop is touched. After exit, compare the model to the realized ticket: differences often come from fees, partial fills, or funding on perps.
Scaling and linearity assumptions
For many spot-style USD models, doubling position in base units doubles USD sensitivity per tick approximately. Non-linearities appear with tiered fees, changing margin mode, or contract multipliers your UI hides.
- Check linearity once on demo with two sizes you actually use.
- Keep funding as a separate line item for multi-day perps.
- Use the same tick definition in bots and manual trades.
Why “close enough” bites later
Small rounding drift per trade feels irrelevant until it multiplies across hundreds of executions. Tight definitions early save forensic hours after a drawdown.