One article to understand: What does 10x really mean in crypto trading?

10x ≠ 1000%，This common mistake you might have also made

In crypto chats, people often say a coin “has increased 10 times,” but many don't understand the math behind it. The easiest confusion is: Is 10x really equal to 1000%?

The answer is: No.

10x is a multiplier concept, meaning the final value = initial value × 10. Expressed as a percentage, 10x corresponds to a (10-1)×100 = 900% increase, not 1000%.

Simple example:

• Buy at $1 → Sell at $10 = 10x profit
• The percentage gain is ($10/$1 - 1) × 100 = 900%

The reverse is also true: if a coin increases by 900%, it translates to a multiplier of 1 + 900%/100 = 10x.

How to calculate 10x in spot trading?

Suppose you like a project and want to know what price it needs to reach to achieve a 10x return. Use this formula:

Target price = Initial price × 10

Real example:

• Buy 100 coins at $0.20 each, total investment $20
• To achieve 10x: $0.20 × 10 = $2.00
• Your position value at this point: 100 × $2.00 = $200
• Profit: ($200 - $20) / $20 = 900%

This is the most straightforward way to calculate 10x in spot trading. Whether to chase this target depends on whether the project has such growth potential.

Using leverage trading to chase 10x: amplified gains, amplified risks

If you use leverage, the calculation logic changes. 10x leverage does not mean your account automatically multiplies by 10, but rather your position size is 10 times your margin.

Scenario:

• Deposit $500 margin, with 10x leverage
• Actual controlled position: $500 × 10 = $5,000
• Entry price: $50 per coin → you hold 100 coins

If the coin price rises 20% to $60:

• Position value: 100 × $60 = $6,000
• Profit: $6,000 - $5,000 = $1,000
• Return relative to margin: $1,000 / $500 = 200% (which is 2x, not 10x)

Key point: To achieve a 10x account return (900% increase in price) with 10x leverage, what market move is needed?

Answer: 900% ÷ 10 = 90% price increase

This means you must withstand significant volatility.

Liquidation risk in leverage trading: about 10% adverse move with 10x leverage

This is the most dangerous aspect of leverage trading. Exchanges set maintenance margin rates (usually between 0.5% and 2%). When your position loses enough value, your account equity can no longer support the position, and the system will automatically liquidate.

Numbers:

• Margin: $1,000
• Leverage: 10x
• Position size: $10,000
• Entry price: $100 per coin (holding 100 coins)
• Maintenance margin rate: 0.5%

Deriving the liquidation price (long position):