Bitcoin Return Calculator

If you had invested $1,000 in Bitcoin on January 1, 2015 at $314 per coin, by January 1, 2025 your investment would have been worth $300,461 (about 300× your initial investment in 10 years).

Bitcoin is much more volatile than traditional assets like stocks or gold. Its price can swing dramatically in short periods – double-digit percentage jumps or drops in a day are not uncommon. Over the years, Bitcoin has experienced several boom-and-bust cycles: for example, it surged by over 1,300% in 2017 and then lost about 80% of its value in 2018. In contrast, something like the S&P 500 might move a percent or two in a day, and gold's value shifts are also relatively small by comparison. So while Bitcoin's long-term ROI has been very high, the ride has been far bumpier than more established investments.

Bitcoin's best years have seen astronomical gains, and its worst years have seen steep losses. In 2013, for example, Bitcoin's price skyrocketed (gaining well over 5,000% in that year alone). Another remarkable year was 2017, when Bitcoin climbed about 1,300% as it captured mainstream attention. However, Bitcoin's worst years include 2014 and 2018, when it lost roughly 50-80% of its value during bear markets. These extreme ups and downs show that Bitcoin can be incredibly rewarding in good years and very painful in bad years. An investor needs a strong stomach for these swings.

Several factors have driven Bitcoin's price growth in the long run. One major factor is its scarcity – there will only ever be 21 million Bitcoins, and the supply increases at a slowing rate due to periodic "halving" events (which cut new issuance in half every four years). This limited supply, combined with growing demand, tends to push the price upward over time. Additionally, increased adoption has played a role: more people and institutions have become interested in Bitcoin as a store of value (sometimes calling it "digital gold") or as an investment. Macro events like loose monetary policy have also made Bitcoin attractive to those looking for assets outside the traditional financial system. All these elements contributed to Bitcoin's long-term price appreciation.

Historically, Bitcoin has been an outstanding investment in terms of percentage returns – no other asset class has produced such high gains over the past decade. Early investors saw extraordinary growth. However, Bitcoin's future is still uncertain and it remains a highly speculative asset. Its past performance does not guarantee it will keep rising at the same rate (or at all). If you consider Bitcoin for the long term, be prepared for significant volatility and understand that while it could deliver high returns, it also carries higher risk and the potential for large drawdowns.