How Much Does an ASIC Earn: Profitability and Payback, Explained

Before buying an ASIC, it's worth understanding how much it will earn and when it will pay back. Let's go through the math in plain terms — no marketing promises.

The profit formula

Daily profit is calculated like this:

Profit = Mining revenue − Electricity cost

Where the cost is:

Cost = Power (kW) × 24 h × Tariff (per kWh)

Mining revenue depends on hashrate, network difficulty and the coin's price — and that's exactly what changes every day.

The tariff decides everything

Two identical miners will yield different profit at different tariffs. The logic is simple: the lower the tariff, the higher the profit — which is why an industrial tariff in a mining hotel often turns a loss-making setup into a profitable one.

That's why the first thing to optimize is not the model, but the cost of electricity.

Price and difficulty are variables

Revenue in dollars depends on the coin's price and network difficulty. Both change, so predicting profit a year ahead precisely is impossible. Work with current data and leave a margin.

For a more stable payback estimate, use the average daily revenue rather than peak values.

How to calculate your case

Don't do it by hand — use the profitability calculator. Enter:

• the hashrate of your model;
• the power in watts;
• your tariff for electricity;
• the hardware price — to see the payback period.

The calculator uses the live rate and shows revenue, cost, profit and payback per day, month and year.

Realistic expectations

• Payback is an estimate, not a guarantee: price and difficulty can change.
• Newer models (for example, the Antminer S21) are more efficient and pay back faster at the same tariff.
• At a high tariff, payback may not happen at all — in which case it makes sense to lower your electricity cost or choose a more efficient model.

Want to model a specific machine for your tariff? Open the calculator or browse the catalog — and we'll help you pick the best option.