Majors (BTC, ETH, large-cap USD pairs) usually offer the deepest books and the tightest spreads during busy periods. Mid-caps can trade well but gap more on headlines. Long-tail alts can show wide spreads, partial liquidity cliffs, and listing risk—model round-trip friction before sizing like a major.
Liquidity and cost
Spread paid on entry and exit is real drag on short-term expectancy. Before chasing a narrative name, simulate fees + spread in USD for your typical hold.
Tool assumptions
Always select the exact symbol and product type you trade; “BTCUSDT” on one venue is not identical to another’s contract or index.
Browse calculators from the tools hub and read the FAQ for how MyCryptoCal models mids (Binance USDT as a USD proxy).
Liquidity ladders in crypto
BTC and ETH usually sit at the top of the ladder for depth; large mid-caps trade well when global risk appetite is healthy; long-tail alts can demand wider stops or smaller size because spread and tail risk dominate the experience.
When “cheap” coins cost more
A wide spread paid twice (entry and exit) is a real drag on short-term expectancy. Before chasing a narrative, model round-trip friction in USD for your typical hold.
- Compare median spread by hour for any new symbol.
- Size down first when spread spikes persistently.
- Read minimum order size and tick rules if your venue publishes them.
Building a watchlist you can afford
Most traders thrive with a small set of liquid names plus one or two specialists they truly understand. Depth beats breadth when costs bite.