5 exit strategies to use in crypto trading
If you are to ask any of our generation's greatest traders for a secret, it would lie in a rather unexpected element. The key to successful crypto trading isn't when to enter a trade — it's knowing exactly when to exit.
While pinpointing the perfect entry gets all the hype, your exit strategy is what truly determines your profitability. Whether you're navigating your first trade or fine-tuning a sophisticated portfolio, a clearly defined exit plan is essential for minimizing risk, maximizing returns, and preserving your capital in this notoriously volatile market.
At Toobit Academy, we’ve curated 5 battle-tested exit strategies that empower traders to navigate the chaos with confidence and clarity. Let’s dive in.
Take-Profit Orders (T/P)
A Take-Profit (T/P) order allows you to automatically sell an asset once it hits a pre-determined price. This is useful for securing profits without needing to monitor the market constantly.
For example, if you buy Bitcoin at $60,000 and set a T/P at $66,000, your position will close automatically when the price is reached.
Best for: Traders who have a target return in mind.
Toobit Pro tip: Combine T/P with a Stop-Loss for better risk management!
Stop-Loss Orders
A Stop-Loss order is your emergency parachute. It automatically exits your position if the price drops to a certain threshold, limiting how much you're willing to lose.
For example, if you bought ETH at $3,000, you might set a Stop-Loss at $2,700 to cap your downside risk.
Best for: All traders, especially in volatile markets.
Toobit Pro tip: Consider a Trailing Stop-Loss — as the asset rises, your stop follows upward, locking in profits while protecting against sharp reversals.
Scaling Out
Instead of exiting your entire position at once, scaling out means gradually selling portions of your holdings at different price points.
For example, you could sell 25% at a 10% gain, another 25% at 20%, and hold the rest longer term.
Best for: Traders facing uncertain markets or long-term investors seeking partial profit-taking.
Toobit Pro tip: Scaling out reduces emotional stress and avoids the classic trader’s regret of selling too early — or too late.
Time-Based Exit
Not every trade is about price — sometimes, it's about performance within a timeframe. With time-based exits, you exit a position if it doesn’t move as expected within your set trading window.
If it hasn’t moved significantly within your planned timeframe, you exit. This helps avoid getting stuck in stagnant trades!
Best for: Swing traders and short-term strategies.
Toobit Pro tip: Keep a trading journal to evaluate how time-based exits affect your overall performance. Patterns will emerge that can guide future strategies!
Fundamental or Sentiment-Based Exit
Crypto isn’t just charts — narratives move markets. When the fundamentals of a project shift, or when sentiment turns bearish due to news, regulation, or social chatter, exiting can protect you from bigger downside moves.
For example, let's say a major protocol update is delayed, or negative regulatory news hits. Your first move should not be to wait around and see what happens: instead exit before the wave breaks!
Best for: Mid- to long-term investors.
Toobit Pro tip: Stay updated with reliable sources (like Toobit Academy!) which provide educational insights, news analysis, and crypto fundamentals to help you make informed exit decisions.
Final Thoughts
Overall, we still agree that no matter your skill level, having an exit strategy is just as important as having an entry plan. Crypto is fast, fluid, and often unforgiving. Yet, the traders who consistently succeed aren’t just those who find good entries — they’re the ones who master their exits.
The crypto market is unpredictable, and emotions can run high. By using clear, disciplined exit strategies like the ones above, you can protect your capital, lock in gains—and most importantly— grow as a more confident, professional trader. So whether you're scalping altcoins or holding blue-chip tokens, remember: a disciplined exit strategy is your edge in the market.
That's all for this week, folks. For more trading tips, strategy breakdowns, and crypto fundamentals, make sure to check out Toobit Academy — your go-to hub for leveling up your knowledge in the world of digital assets!