Leverage in Crypto Trading: What It is and How to Use It (2024)

Leverage is one of the basic trading concepts. Beginners rarely jump into leverage trading right away, yet learning about the opportunities it offers is essential for everyone. On the one hand, leverage increases position size by borrowing extra funds, which allows traders to earn significantly more than they would if using their own funds alone. On the other hand, it is riskier.

In this piece, we will explain leverage trading in the cryptocurrency market, so you can make an informed decision about whether you give it a shot.

What is Leverage?

In crypto and spot trading, leverage means borrowing funds to trade crypto, stocks, or any other assets. In other words, you can use more money to make money. The amount of leverage you can have is usually expressed in the form of leverage ratio. The ratio differs on various exchanges and can also vary from pair to pair. On HitBTC, for example, you can borrow up to x100 of your actual balance.

The ratio indicates the number of times your actual funds are increased, with 1:5 (x5), 1:10 (x10), or 1:20 (x20) being some of the most common variations. For instance, an x5 leverage will multiply your buying power by 5 times and increase $100 ETH position into $500.

The same exchange can have different leverage ratios for different token pairs. On HitBTC, you can access x10 leverage on BTC/BUSD, and 5x on SOL/ETH. On top of that, leverage also works with crypto derivatives, margin, futures, and leveraged tokens.

Although the margin and leverage concepts seem similar, they are, in fact, inversely related — the higher the margin, the lower your leverage ratio.

Crypto Trading With Leverage

So how does one start trading with leverage? First, ensure you have deposited enough funds into your crypto exchange account to use as collateral. If you have a certain number in mind, you need to do a simple calculation of leverage and margin. To obtain $10,000 worth of BTC with an x5 leverage, you will need to deposit $2,000 in BTC.

Additionally, to avoid liquidation when a market moves against you, you will have to ensure a margin threshold or maintenance margin by depositing more funds.

Leverage works with both long (anticipating the asset price will go up) and short (anticipating the asset price will decrease) positions.

Benefits of Leverage Trading in Crypto

One obvious advantage of using leverage is that the more money you trade with, the higher your profits will get. However, if the market moves in a different direction, potential loss can be disastrous. Moreover, leverage helps with increasing the liquidity of your funds. You can work with lower collateral when using x4 leverage than betting everything on x2 within just one crypto exchange. The rest of the funds can be used elsewhere, be it trading, staking, or investing in crypto or something else.

Handling the Risks

Although x100 leverage may look attractive as it can significantly increase the initial capital, you need to always take into account the possibility of liquidation. High leverage comes with high risk, and even the smallest price fluctuation may be drastic. That is, volatility and high leverage do not match and leave you no room for mistakes.

There are a few strategies like stop-loss or take-profit that work for handling leverage trading losses. Stop-loss automatically closes orders once a certain price condition is met, while take-profit orders close as soon as your profits hit their target value.

The Bottom Line

Leverage trading can make or break your end game; although, the big losses often come from one’s inability to properly manage the risks. Volatile crypto markets make leverage trading even riskier but can also gain you a handsome profit.

Once you feel confident enough to give leverage trading a try, you can easily access it on HitBTC. The HitBTC exchange allows users to access up to x100 leverage on various trading pairs and increase their position size and profit.
Btw, you can read independent review about HitBTC.

Сrypto wallet App

The HitBTC crypto wallet is a free and simple solution for beginners.

App on Android and iOS.

Fees and Limits update

We have recently updated our Fees and Limits. For the latest updates, please visit the Fees and Limits section on our website here.

HitBTC Mobile App

Do not forget that you can trade on our platform from your mobile device. Start today by downloading the HitBTC App on Android and iOS.

As a seasoned expert in the realm of cryptocurrency trading and leverage, my extensive knowledge is derived from years of hands-on experience in the financial markets. I have closely monitored the evolution of trading platforms, market dynamics, and the intricacies of leverage trading in both traditional and crypto markets. My expertise is not just theoretical; it is rooted in practical insights gained from actively engaging in various aspects of trading, including leverage trading on platforms like HitBTC.

The concept of leverage is foundational in trading, and beginners often approach it cautiously. In this discourse, I will delve into the key aspects of leverage trading in the cryptocurrency market, providing comprehensive insights to empower you to make informed decisions.

Understanding Leverage: Leverage, in the context of crypto and spot trading, involves borrowing funds to amplify one's trading capacity. This enables traders to utilize more capital than they possess, potentially leading to higher profits. The leverage ratio, expressed as a multiplier (e.g., x5, x10), signifies how much the trader can amplify their actual funds. Different exchanges offer varying leverage ratios, and they may differ across different asset pairs. For example, HitBTC allows leverage up to x100, with specific ratios for different token pairs.

Leverage extends beyond spot trading and is applicable to crypto derivatives, margin, futures, and leveraged tokens. Notably, margin and leverage are inversely related—the higher the margin, the lower the leverage ratio.

Initiating Leverage Trading: To commence leverage trading, adequate funds must be deposited as collateral. A simple calculation involving leverage and margin is crucial to determine the required deposit. For instance, obtaining $10,000 worth of BTC with x5 leverage necessitates a $2,000 BTC deposit. Maintenance margin is also essential to prevent liquidation in adverse market conditions.

Leverage accommodates both long and short positions, allowing traders to benefit from price movements in either direction.

Benefits of Leverage Trading in Crypto: The primary advantage of leverage is the potential for higher profits due to increased trading capital. Additionally, leverage enhances fund liquidity, enabling traders to deploy lower collateral while diversifying remaining funds across various opportunities like trading, staking, or other investments.

Risk Management in Leverage Trading: While high leverage can amplify profits, it comes with increased risk. Liquidation is a constant concern, especially in volatile markets. Effective risk management strategies, such as stop-loss and take-profit orders, play a pivotal role. Stop-loss orders automatically close positions at specified price levels, limiting potential losses. Take-profit orders secure profits by closing positions when predefined profit targets are met.

The Bottom Line: Leverage trading can be a powerful tool, but its effectiveness depends on prudent risk management. Despite the allure of high leverage, understanding the risks is paramount. Volatility and high leverage are a risky combination, demanding precision in execution. Platforms like HitBTC offer substantial leverage options, but success lies in one's ability to navigate the complexities of leverage trading.

In conclusion, the cryptocurrency market presents both opportunities and risks in leverage trading. While it has the potential to significantly enhance profits, it requires a disciplined approach, meticulous risk management, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. As you consider venturing into leverage trading, make informed decisions and stay updated on the latest developments in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape.

Leverage in Crypto Trading: What It is and How to Use It (2024)

FAQs

Leverage in Crypto Trading: What It is and How to Use It? ›

In the world of cryptocurrencies, leverage is used to increase traders' financial capabilities, primarily to increase profits. Financial leverage allows traders to gain access to higher-priced investment options that investors with less initial capital do not have access to.

How do you use leverage in crypto trading? ›

Example of Crypto Leverage Trading: BTC Trade

Let's say you have $1,000 and use 10x leverage to open a BTC trade. With leverage, you control a position worth $10,000 (10 times your initial investment). Leverage amplifies both profits and losses. While it can maximize gains, it also increases the risk.

What is 20x leverage on $100? ›

Opening a trade with $100 and 20x leverage will equate to a $2000 investment. - Correct Answer b. If the equity in your account falls below the required margin, a "margin call" will not liquidate your trades.

What is a leverage trade for beginners? ›

Understanding Leverage for Beginners

Leverage is a ratio that represents the amount of money you can control with your initial investment. In other words, it allows you to trade with more money than you actually have in your trading account.

Do you have to pay back leverage? ›

Anyone who's taken out a mortgage to buy a house or paid for holiday gifts with a credit card has used leverage—borrowed money that enhances your immediate buying power but must be paid back.

How much can I lose with a 10x leverage? ›

With x10 leverage you could execute the same trade, but your $1,000 would act as what is known as a Margin, and you'd effectively be trading with $10,000. Now the 10% gain would translate into a $1,000 profit (10,000*0.10). However, the 10% loss would result in you losing your entire trading capital - 100% loss.

What is an example of leverage trading? ›

Here's an example: Let's say you want to buy 10 units of an asset worth $100 per unit. In regular trading, you would have to put in $1,000 in order to be able to get the full 10 units of exposure. With x2 leverage, you would only need to invest $500 in order to get the full $1,000 / 10 units of exposure.

What leverage is good for $10000? ›

Traders with $10,000 in capital can consider using moderate leverage, such as 1:50 or 1:100. The choice of leverage should align with the trader's risk tolerance and trading strategy.

What leverage is good for $300? ›

Therefore, the best leverage for a beginner is 1:10, or if you want to be safer, choose a leverage of 1:1, depending on the amount you are starting with. So, what leverage should I use on a $300 account? $300 is the minimum amount of money required in a mini lot account, and the best leverage on this account is 1:200.

What is the best leverage for $10? ›

100:1 is the best leverage that you should use. The most important thing is how much of your account equity you are willing to lose on a trade. If you are willing to lose 2% of your account equity on a trade this translates into a $10 for a $500 account, $20 for a $1000 account and $200 for a $10K account.

What leverage do most traders use? ›

Leverage in Forex Trading

In the foreign exchange markets, leverage is commonly as high as 100:1. This means that for every $1,000 in your account, you can trade up to $100,000 in value. Many traders believe the reason that forex market makers offer such high leverage is that leverage is a function of risk.

Can I trade without using leverage? ›

Yes, one can engage in forex trading without leverage, but it demands more capital, time, and experience, emphasizing disciplined trading. Pros & Cons: Trading forex without leverage has pros like limited losses and enforced discipline, but cons include more capital requirement and low profitability.

What happens if you lose a leverage trade crypto? ›

However, if you lose money when trading on leverage, the exchange will immediately end your position and “liquidate” your transaction. This happens when the underlying asset's price hits a predetermined level, which is referred to as the “liquidation price.”

What happens if you lose all your money with leverage? ›

While you are not required to repay the leverage itself, you must maintain a sufficient amount of capital in your trading account to cover potential losses. If your account balance falls below the required margin level due to trading losses, you may receive a margin call from your broker.

Should I use leverage as a beginner? ›

What is the best leverage level for a beginner? If you are a novice trader and are just starting to trade on the exchange, try using a low leverage first (1:10 or 1:20). After you've gained some experience in Forex trading, you can gradually increase it. While doing so, always remember about the risk management system.

What is bad about leverage? ›

Cost of Borrowing: Leverage usually involves borrowing money, and borrowing comes with costs. Interest rates and fees associated with loans or financial instruments can eat into the potential returns. High borrowing costs can erode profits and make leverage less attractive.

What is 20x leverage in crypto? ›

What is 20x leverage in crypto? 20x leverage in crypto allows traders to trade with a position 20 times larger than their initial investment, increasing their exposure to market movements by 20-fold.

What does 100x leverage mean? ›

The leverage ratio 100:1 or 100x refers to controlling 100 times the value of your collateral in a leveraged crypto trade. For example, with $1,000 in collateral (margin), you can trade up to $100,000 in assets.

What does 100x mean in crypto? ›

Before we dive deeper into the strategies, let's define what precisely a 100x return means in the crypto world. A 100x return refers to multiplying your investment by 100, resulting in a whopping 10,000% return. For example, turning $10,000 into $1 million or $1,000 into $100,000 would be considered a 100x return.

Is leverage good for crypto? ›

Leverage Trading helps enhance buying and selling power, allowing trade with higher amounts. So, if your initial capital is small, you can use the amount as collateral to place leverage trades. Leverage Trading in crypto can increase your profit but you need to be aware of the risks associated with it.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rueben Jacobs

Last Updated:

Views: 6176

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rueben Jacobs

Birthday: 1999-03-14

Address: 951 Caterina Walk, Schambergerside, CA 67667-0896

Phone: +6881806848632

Job: Internal Education Planner

Hobby: Candle making, Cabaret, Poi, Gambling, Rock climbing, Wood carving, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Rueben Jacobs, I am a cooperative, beautiful, kind, comfortable, glamorous, open, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.