DCA PnL: Realized vs Unrealized (and Why It Gets Confusing)
Understand realized vs unrealized PnL when using DCA. Learn how partial sells affect cost basis and how to track break-even after multiple buys and sells.
DCA plus partial sells can make cost basis confusing. Track realized and unrealized PnL separately.
The simple definitions
- Unrealized PnL: profit or loss on what you still hold
- Realized PnL: profit or loss locked in by selling
Partial sells
A partial sell reduces size. Your remaining cost basis can be tracked with average cost, while realized PnL is logged separately.
Track these numbers
- Total units held
- Total cost including fees
- Average cost basis
- Realized PnL from sells
Tools: