Market Cap to Fdv Ratio Calculator
Assess token unlock risk by comparing circulating market cap to fully diluted valuation. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Reviewed for accuracy by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer
Market Cap to Fdv Ratio Calculator
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Formula: MC/FDV Ratio = (Price x Circulating Supply) / (Price x Total Supply)
Worked example โ MC/FDV: 0.10 | Risk: HIGH | 360% annual dilution | 90% potential price decline
Formula
MC/FDV Ratio = (Price x Circulating Supply) / (Price x Total Supply)
The ratio simplifies to Circulating Supply divided by Total Supply. Market cap uses only tokens currently tradeable, while FDV assumes all tokens are in circulation at the current price. Monthly dilution is calculated as the monthly unlock percentage of total supply relative to current circulating supply.
Worked Examples
Example 1: High Dilution Risk Token
Problem:Token XYZ trades at $3.00 with 100M circulating supply out of 1B total. Monthly unlock is 3% of total supply. Evaluate the dilution risk.
Solution:Market Cap = $3.00 x 100M = $300M FDV = $3.00 x 1B = $3B MC/FDV Ratio = $300M / $3B = 0.10 (only 10% circulating) Monthly unlock = 3% x 1B = 30M tokens = $90M/month Annual dilution = (30M x 12) / 100M = 360% of current supply Implied price at full dilution = $300M / 1B = $0.30
Result:MC/FDV: 0.10 | Risk: HIGH | 360% annual dilution | 90% potential price decline
Example 2: Mature Token Assessment
Problem:Token ABC at $15.00, 800M circulating out of 1B total. Monthly unlock is 1% of total supply.
Solution:Market Cap = $15 x 800M = $12B FDV = $15 x 1B = $15B MC/FDV Ratio = $12B / $15B = 0.80 Monthly unlock = 1% x 1B = 10M tokens = $150M/month Annual dilution = (10M x 12) / 800M = 15% Implied price at full dilution = $12B / 1B = $12.00
Result:MC/FDV: 0.80 | Risk: LOW | 15% annual dilution | 20% potential price impact
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between market cap and fully diluted valuation (FDV)?
Market capitalization is calculated by multiplying the current token price by the circulating supply, which represents the tokens currently available for trading. Fully diluted valuation multiplies the current price by the total or maximum supply, including tokens that are locked, vesting, or not yet minted. The difference between these two figures represents the value of tokens that will eventually enter circulation. A large gap signals significant future dilution, meaning more tokens will be sold on the market over time, potentially creating downward price pressure. For example, if a token has a $500M market cap but $5B FDV, 90% of tokens are still locked and waiting to enter the market.
What does the MC/FDV ratio tell me about a token investment?
The MC/FDV ratio indicates what percentage of the total token supply is currently circulating. A ratio of 1.0 means all tokens are in circulation (no future dilution). A ratio of 0.10 means only 10% of tokens are circulating, with 90% yet to be unlocked. Generally, ratios below 0.25 indicate high dilution risk, as three-quarters or more of the supply will eventually hit the market. Ratios between 0.5 and 0.8 are moderate, while ratios above 0.8 suggest most dilution has already occurred. However, this metric should be combined with unlock schedules, team vesting terms, and market demand to form a complete investment thesis for any cryptocurrency project.
How do token unlock schedules affect price?
Token unlock schedules determine when locked tokens become available for trading. Large unlock events, sometimes called cliff unlocks, can create sudden selling pressure as early investors, team members, and advisors gain access to their tokens. The price impact depends on the unlock size relative to daily trading volume. If a monthly unlock represents 5% of circulating supply but daily volume is only 2% of circulating supply, the market may struggle to absorb the new tokens without price decline. Linear vesting, where tokens unlock gradually over time, generally creates less price shock than cliff vesting with large one-time releases. Monitoring upcoming unlock events is critical for timing both entries and exits.
Why do some tokens launch with very low circulating supply?
Projects launch with low circulating supply for several strategic reasons. First, it creates a higher token price with less capital, which generates positive sentiment and media attention. Second, vesting schedules align team and investor incentives with long-term project success. Third, low initial supply reduces selling pressure at launch, helping establish a floor price. Fourth, gradual token release funds ongoing development through treasury unlocks. However, this practice can be misleading because the market cap appears small while the FDV is enormous. New investors may think the project is undervalued based on market cap alone, without realizing the massive supply overhang that will dilute their holdings over the coming months and years.
How should I use Market Cap to Fdv Ratio Calculator in my investment research process?
Use Market Cap to Fdv Ratio Calculator as one component of a comprehensive due diligence process. First, input the exact circulating and total supply from reliable sources like CoinGecko or the project documentation. Check the MC/FDV ratio: anything below 0.25 warrants extra caution. Then model the unlock schedule to understand monthly dilution pressure against your investment timeframe. Compare the daily unlock value to average daily trading volume, since unlocks exceeding 1-2% of daily volume can significantly impact price. Factor in the risk score alongside fundamental analysis of the project utility, team track record, and competitive landscape. Remember that even excellent projects can see price declines during heavy unlock periods regardless of their technological merits.
References
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Reviewed for accuracy by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer ยท Editorial policy
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