Here, let me help you: Paper loss = Paper loss (unrealized loss) Paper gain = Paper gain (unrealized gain) Selling within a "paper" loss is a realize loss. Selling within a "paper" gain is a realized gain. So, until you sell, it's just a bunch of 1's and 0's on some hard disk somewhere that you can't use to buy food, clothing, or shelter. Get educated: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/paperprofitorloss.asp