Crypto Staking Calculator
Calculate crypto staking rewards and APY returns. Estimate earnings from staking Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and other proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies.
Select Cryptocurrency
Staking Parameters
Net Staking Rewards
+$360.00
Portfolio Breakdown After Staking
The Power of Compound Staking
Tax Reminder
Staking rewards are generally taxable as ordinary income when received. Your $360.00 in rewards may be subject to income tax at your marginal rate (10-37% in the US). Use our Crypto Tax Calculator to estimate your tax liability.
Important Considerations
- -Staking rewards are in tokens, not USD. Token price volatility can result in losses even with positive staking returns.
- -APY rates fluctuate based on network conditions and total staked amount. Current rates may not persist.
- -Slashing risk exists if your validator misbehaves. Choose reputable validators with strong track records.
- -Unstaking often requires a waiting period (unbonding) during which you cannot access your funds.
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About This Calculator
In 2026, over $150 billion in cryptocurrency is locked in staking protocols, earning passive income for holders who participate in network security. Staking has become one of the most popular ways to earn yield on crypto assets, with annual percentage yields (APY) ranging from 3% on established networks like Ethereum to 15%+ on newer protocols. Yet calculating actual staking returns remains confusing due to compounding frequencies, validator fees, and the difference between APY and APR.
This Crypto Staking Calculator projects your earnings from staking popular proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies including Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, and Cosmos. Enter your stake amount, select your cryptocurrency, adjust the staking APY and validator commission, and see exactly how much you can earn over time. The calculator accounts for compounding frequency, helping you understand whether daily, weekly, or monthly reward distribution affects your bottom line.
Whether you're considering staking for the first time or optimizing an existing position, understanding your expected returns is essential. A $10,000 ETH stake at 4% APY with monthly compounding yields $407 in the first year, but with daily compounding, that grows to $408. Over 10 years, that compounding difference becomes thousands of dollars. Small details matter in long-term staking.
How to Use the Crypto Staking Calculator
- 1Enter the amount of cryptocurrency you plan to stake or have already staked.
- 2Select the cryptocurrency from the preset options (ETH, SOL, ADA, DOT, ATOM) or choose Custom to enter your own APY.
- 3Review and adjust the staking APY if using current rates, as network conditions change these values.
- 4Set the compounding frequency (how often rewards are distributed and restaked).
- 5Enter the staking period in months or years to see projected returns.
- 6Adjust the validator commission fee (the cut taken by your validator or staking service).
- 7Review total rewards, effective APY after fees, and the breakdown of principal versus earnings.
- 8Compare different scenarios by adjusting inputs to optimize your staking strategy.
Formula
Final Value = Principal x (1 + (APY / n))^(n x t) x (1 - Validator Fee)Staking rewards follow compound interest mathematics with a fee adjustment. Principal is your initial stake amount. APY is the Annual Percentage Yield quoted by the network or staking provider. The variable n is the number of compounding periods per year (365 for daily, 52 for weekly, 12 for monthly). t is the time in years. The Validator Fee is the commission taken by the validator operator (typically 5-15%). Note that APY already accounts for compounding, while APR does not. If you're given an APR, you must compound it to find the true yield: APY = (1 + APR/n)^n - 1.
2026 Staking Rates by Cryptocurrency
Current Staking Yields Across Major Networks
Staking yields vary significantly between cryptocurrencies based on network economics, total staked percentage, and protocol design:
Major Proof-of-Stake Networks (January 2026):
| Cryptocurrency | Native APY | With Liquid Staking | Validator Commission | Min Stake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethereum (ETH) | 3.5-4.5% | 3.3-4.2% | 10-15% | 32 ETH (native) / Any (liquid) |
| Solana (SOL) | 6.5-7.5% | 6.0-7.0% | 5-10% | Any amount |
| Cardano (ADA) | 3.0-4.5% | N/A | 0-5% | 10 ADA |
| Polkadot (DOT) | 14-16% | 13-15% | 3-10% | 120 DOT (nomination) |
| Cosmos (ATOM) | 14-19% | 13-18% | 5-10% | Any amount |
| Avalanche (AVAX) | 8-10% | 7-9% | 2% (fixed) | 25 AVAX |
| Tezos (XTZ) | 5-6% | 4.5-5.5% | 5-15% | 1 XTZ |
| Near Protocol (NEAR) | 9-11% | 8-10% | 5-10% | Any amount |
Why Yields Differ:
- Network Inflation: Higher inflation = higher staking rewards (but dilution for non-stakers)
- Staking Participation: More staked = lower individual yields (rewards spread thinner)
- Protocol Design: Some networks have minimum viable staking targets with dynamic rewards
- Fee Structure: Networks handle validator compensation differently
Important Considerations:
- Listed rates are native token yields; USD returns depend on price changes
- Liquid staking typically offers 0.2-0.5% lower APY due to protocol fees
- Validator commissions reduce your effective yield
- Lock-up periods vary: Ethereum ~days, Cosmos 21 days, Polkadot 28 days
APY vs APR: Understanding the Difference
The Compounding Effect on Staking Returns
Many staking providers interchange APY and APR, but they're meaningfully different for your returns:
APR (Annual Percentage Rate):
- Simple interest without compounding
- If you earn 5% APR on $10,000, you get $500/year
- Rewards are not automatically restaked
APY (Annual Percentage Yield):
- Includes compounding effect
- 5% APY means you earn 5% total including compound growth
- Actual rate needed depends on compounding frequency
The Conversion:
APY = (1 + APR/n)^n - 1
Where n = compounding periods per year
Example: 5% APR with Different Compounding:
| Compounding | Periods (n) | Effective APY | Extra Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | 1 | 5.00% | Baseline |
| Quarterly | 4 | 5.09% | +0.09% |
| Monthly | 12 | 5.12% | +0.12% |
| Weekly | 52 | 5.12% | +0.12% |
| Daily | 365 | 5.13% | +0.13% |
| Continuous | Infinite | 5.13% | +0.13% |
On $100,000 Staked:
| Compounding | 1-Year Return | 5-Year Return | 10-Year Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual (5% APR) | $5,000 | $27,628 | $62,889 |
| Daily (5.13% APY) | $5,127 | $28,983 | $67,072 |
| Difference | +$127 | +$1,355 | +$4,183 |
Key Insight:
While the difference seems small in year one, over 10 years with a $100,000 stake, daily compounding adds over $4,000 in extra returns compared to annual compounding. Always verify whether quoted rates are APR or APY, and factor in compounding frequency when comparing staking options.
Validator Fees and Their Impact
Understanding How Validator Commissions Affect Your Returns
When you stake through a validator (rather than running your own), they charge a commission for operating the infrastructure:
Typical Validator Commission Ranges:
| Platform | Commission Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Ethereum (Lido) | 10% | 10% |
| Ethereum (Rocket Pool) | 14% | 14% |
| Ethereum (Coinbase) | 25% | 25% |
| Solana | 5-10% | 7% |
| Cardano | 0-5% | 2% |
| Polkadot | 3-10% | 5% |
| Cosmos | 5-15% | 10% |
Impact Calculation:
Effective APY = Base APY x (1 - Commission Rate)
Example: 5% Base APY with Different Commissions:
| Commission | Effective APY | Annual Loss per $10,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | 5.00% | $0 |
| 5% | 4.75% | $25 |
| 10% | 4.50% | $50 |
| 15% | 4.25% | $75 |
| 25% | 3.75% | $125 |
Over 10 Years on $100,000:
| Commission | Total Earnings | Lost to Fees |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | $59,098 | $3,791 |
| 10% | $55,297 | $7,592 |
| 15% | $51,496 | $11,393 |
| 25% | $43,894 | $18,995 |
Choosing a Validator:
Beyond commission, consider:
- Uptime: Consistent performance means consistent rewards
- Reputation: Established validators are less likely to be slashed
- Decentralization: Supporting smaller validators improves network health
- Additional Services: Some offer governance voting, airdrops, MEV rewards
- Self-custody vs Custodial: Trade-off between control and convenience
Native Staking vs Liquid Staking
Comparing Staking Methods in 2026
You have multiple ways to stake your cryptocurrency, each with distinct trade-offs:
Native Staking (Direct Protocol Participation)
Pros:
- Highest security (no smart contract risk)
- Direct network participation
- No intermediary fees beyond validator commission
- Full custody of assets
Cons:
- Assets locked during staking period
- Unbonding periods (hours to weeks depending on network)
- Requires technical knowledge for some networks
- Can't use staked assets in DeFi
Liquid Staking (Lido, Rocket Pool, etc.)
Pros:
- Receive tradeable derivative tokens (stETH, rETH)
- Use staked assets in DeFi for additional yield
- No minimum stake requirements
- Instant liquidity (sell derivative anytime)
Cons:
- Smart contract risk (hacks can lose funds)
- Derivative may trade at discount to underlying
- Additional protocol fees (0.5-1% on top of validator fees)
- Trust assumptions in protocol governance
Comparison Table:
| Factor | Native Staking | Liquid Staking |
|---|---|---|
| Typical APY (ETH) | 4.0-4.5% | 3.5-4.2% |
| Liquidity | Locked (unbonding period) | Instant (tradeable token) |
| Smart Contract Risk | None | Yes |
| DeFi Composability | No | Yes |
| Minimum Stake | Varies (32 ETH for ETH validators) | None |
| Setup Complexity | Moderate to High | Low |
Liquid Staking Yield Stacking:
Advanced users can compound returns:
- Stake ETH for stETH (4% APY)
- Deposit stETH in Aave as collateral
- Borrow stablecoins against stETH
- Use borrowed funds for additional yield
This "recursive" strategy can achieve 8-12% APY but adds significant smart contract and liquidation risks. Not recommended for beginners.
Staking Risks You Should Understand
The Risk Profile of Crypto Staking
Staking is often marketed as "risk-free yield," but several risks deserve consideration:
1. Slashing Risk
What: Validators penalized for misbehavior lose staked funds When: Double-signing blocks, extended downtime, malicious actions Impact: 0.5% to 100% of stake depending on severity
Mitigation:
- Choose reputable validators with strong track records
- Diversify across multiple validators
- Use liquid staking protocols with slashing insurance
2. Smart Contract Risk (Liquid Staking)
What: Bugs in staking protocol code can lose or lock funds Historical: Over $1B lost to DeFi hacks in 2022 alone Impact: Potential total loss
Mitigation:
- Use battle-tested protocols (Lido, Rocket Pool)
- Check audit reports and bug bounty programs
- Diversify across protocols
3. Price Volatility
What: Token price can fall more than staking rewards earn Example: Earning 10% APY while price drops 50% = net 40% loss Impact: Negative USD returns despite positive token returns
Mitigation:
- Only stake tokens you'd hold anyway
- Consider staking stablecoins if available
- Use options/hedging if sophisticated
4. Inflation Dilution
What: High staking yields often come from token inflation Reality: 15% APY with 10% inflation = 5% real yield Impact: Non-stakers are diluted; stakers break even on dilution
Mitigation:
- Compare real yields (APY - inflation rate)
- Understand network tokenomics
5. Opportunity Cost
What: Staked assets can't be used for other strategies Example: Missing 100% pump while locked in 21-day unbonding Impact: Lower returns than active trading (in bull markets)
Mitigation:
- Use liquid staking for flexibility
- Only stake long-term holdings
- Keep some assets liquid for opportunities
6. Regulatory Risk
What: Staking services may be restricted or taxed differently Development: SEC has signaled staking services may be securities Impact: Potential service shutdowns, tax complications
Mitigation:
- Stay informed on regulatory developments
- Use non-custodial staking where possible
- Consult tax professional on staking income
Tax Implications of Staking Rewards
How Staking Income Is Taxed (US Context)
Staking rewards have specific tax treatment that affects your net returns:
When Are Staking Rewards Taxed?
In the US, staking rewards are generally taxable as ordinary income when received, at fair market value at time of receipt. This creates a taxable event every time you receive rewards, regardless of whether you sell.
Tax Treatment:
| Event | Tax Type | Rate (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving staking rewards | Ordinary income | 10-37% |
| Selling staked tokens (short-term) | Short-term capital gains | 10-37% |
| Selling staked tokens (long-term) | Long-term capital gains | 0-20% |
Example: $10,000 Staked at 5% APY
| Component | Amount | Tax (32% Bracket) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual staking rewards | $500 | $160 |
| After-tax rewards | $340 | - |
| Effective after-tax APY | 3.4% | - |
The Cost Basis Challenge:
Each staking reward receipt creates a new tax lot with its own cost basis (the value when received). If you stake for a year with daily rewards, you have 365 separate tax lots to track. Software like CoinTracker or Koinly is essential.
Tax Optimization Strategies:
- Hold rewards long-term: Convert ordinary income + short-term gains to long-term gains by holding rewards 1+ year before selling
- Tax-loss harvest: Offset staking income with losses from other crypto positions
- Retirement accounts: Some platforms allow crypto staking in IRAs (tax-deferred or tax-free growth)
- Timing: If possible, receive rewards when you're in a lower tax bracket
Important Considerations:
- Some argue staking rewards should be taxed only when sold (like stock dividends in some contexts), but this is not the current IRS position
- State taxes add 0-13% depending on location
- Track everything; IRS is increasing crypto enforcement
Use our Crypto Tax Calculator to estimate your staking tax liability.
Pro Tips
- 💡Always verify whether quoted rates are APY or APR. A 5% APR with daily compounding is actually 5.13% APY. This distinction matters more as your stake size and time horizon increase.
- 💡Compare validator fees carefully. A 10% vs 15% commission on 5% APY means 4.5% vs 4.25% effective yield, a $25 annual difference per $10,000 staked that compounds over time.
- 💡Consider liquid staking if you might need access to your funds. Derivative tokens like stETH can be sold instantly, while native staking often has multi-week unbonding periods.
- 💡Diversify across multiple validators to reduce slashing risk. If one validator is penalized, you only lose a portion of your stake rather than everything.
- 💡Factor taxes into your yield calculations. In the 32% tax bracket, a 5% APY becomes effectively 3.4% after federal income tax on rewards.
- 💡Don't stake tokens you might need to sell soon. Lock-up and unbonding periods mean you can't access funds immediately, potentially missing selling opportunities.
- 💡Track every reward receipt for tax purposes. Daily staking rewards create 365 tax lots per year. Use tracking software like CoinTracker or Koinly.
- 💡Understand that high APY often indicates high inflation. A 15% staking yield with 10% network inflation means only 5% real yield, and non-stakers are being diluted.
- 💡Research validator uptime and slashing history before delegating. A validator with 99.9% uptime and zero slashing incidents is worth paying slightly higher fees.
- 💡Consider using staking rewards to dollar-cost average into other assets rather than compounding the same token, diversifying your portfolio over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crypto staking is the process of locking up cryptocurrency to support a proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain network and earn rewards in return. When you stake, your tokens help validate transactions and secure the network. In exchange, you receive staking rewards, typically paid in the same cryptocurrency you staked. The process works similarly to earning interest on a savings account, except you're compensated for actively participating in network consensus rather than simply lending money. You can stake through running your own validator (requires technical expertise and often minimum amounts like 32 ETH for Ethereum), delegating to a validator (easier, with smaller minimums), or using liquid staking protocols (most accessible, with derivative tokens).
