Crypto Staking Calculator

Calculate staking rewards with compound interest. Model different APYs, staking periods, and fee scenarios.

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Understanding Crypto Staking

Staking is one of the most popular ways to earn passive income in cryptocurrency. By locking your tokens to help secure a blockchain network, you earn rewards—typically paid in the same token you're staking.

This calculator helps you model potential returns based on current APY rates, taking into account compounding frequency, gas fees, and potential token price changes. Use it to compare staking options and understand your projected earnings.

Crypto Staking Compound Interest Formula

Staking rewards often compound (especially liquid staking or auto-compounding vaults). The final amount depends on your principal, the APY, how often rewards are paid, and time.

AFinal Amount (total tokens after staking)
PPrincipal Amount (initial tokens staked)
rAnnual Interest Rate (APY expressed as a decimal)
nNumber of times interest is compounded per year (e.g., 365 for daily)
tTime in years

Manual Step: Staking 100 SOL for 1 Year

Suppose you stake 100 Solana (SOL) at an APY of 7%. The network pays out and compounds rewards every day (365 times a year). Let's calculate your final token balance after 1 year.

1
1. Convert Rate to Decimal
A 7% APY becomes 0.07.
r = 0.07
2
2. Find Daily Rate
Divide the annual rate by 365 to find the daily reward rate.
\frac{0.07}{365} \approx 0.0001918
3
3. Add 1 and Compound
Add 1, then raise it to the power of 365 days.
(1.0001918)^{365} \approx 1.0725
4
4. Multiply by Principal
Multiply the compounding factor by your initial 100 SOL.
100 \times 1.0725 = 107.25 \text{ SOL}
5
Result
You earned exactly 7.25 SOL in rewards over the year thanks to daily compounding.
7.25 \text{ SOL Earned}

Popular Staking Options (2026)

AssetTypical APYLock PeriodNotes
Ethereum (ETH)3-5%Flexible (liquid staking)Most secure, lower yields
Solana (SOL)6-8%~2-3 days to unstakeHigher yields, more active
Cardano (ADA)4-5%No lock periodLiquid, rewards every epoch
Polkadot (DOT)10-14%28 days unbondingHigher yields, longer lock
Cosmos (ATOM)15-20%21 days unbondingHigh APY, inflation-heavy

*APY rates are approximate and change based on network conditions. Always verify current rates before staking.

Staking Strategies

HODL + Stake

Long-term holders stake to earn while waiting for price appreciation. Best for conviction plays.

Liquid Staking

Get staking rewards while keeping liquidity. Use derivative tokens in DeFi for extra yield.

Reward Harvesting

Regularly sell staking rewards to dollar-cost-average out while maintaining principal.

Compound Everything

Reinvest all rewards for maximum growth. Best in bull markets with appreciating assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is crypto staking?
Staking is the process of locking up cryptocurrency to support blockchain network operations (like validating transactions) in exchange for rewards. It's similar to earning interest on a savings account, but with typically higher yields and more risk. Staking is available on proof-of-stake blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and many others.
What is APY in staking?
APY (Annual Percentage Yield) represents your annualized return including compound interest. A 5% APY means if you stake $10,000, you'd earn approximately $500 in the first year, assuming the token price stays constant. APY can fluctuate based on network conditions, total staked amount, and validator performance.
What's the difference between APY and APR?
APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is the simple interest rate without compounding. APY includes the effect of compounding. A 5% APR compounded daily becomes approximately 5.13% APY. When comparing staking options, ensure you're comparing the same metric—APY to APY or APR to APR.
What are the risks of staking?
Key risks include: (1) Price volatility—your tokens may lose value faster than rewards accumulate, (2) Slashing—validators can be penalized for mistakes, (3) Lock-up periods—you may not be able to access funds during market drops, (4) Smart contract risk—bugs or exploits in staking protocols, (5) Opportunity cost—staked assets can't be used elsewhere.
Should I compound my staking rewards?
Compounding typically increases returns, but consider gas fees. If claiming rewards costs $5 and you earn $10/month, monthly compounding makes sense. If you earn $5/month, the fees eat half your rewards—compound less frequently or let rewards auto-compound if supported.
What is liquid staking?
Liquid staking lets you stake tokens while receiving a liquid derivative token (like stETH for staked ETH) that can be used in DeFi. This provides staking rewards plus the flexibility to trade, lend, or use your staked position as collateral. Popular liquid staking protocols include Lido, Rocket Pool, and Marinade.