Learn how to compare crypto volatility, understand key metrics, and find the most volatile cryptocurrencies for your trading strategy.
JAN 03, 202512 MIN READ
Volatility Metrics Guide
Understanding cryptocurrency volatility comparison is essential for traders. Not all crypto assets move the same way—some are stable stores of value, while others swing 20%+ daily.
What is Cryptocurrency Volatility?
Volatility measures how much and how quickly a cryptocurrency's price changes. High volatility means large price swings (up or down), while low volatility means more stable prices.
For traders, volatile crypto presents opportunities—but also risks. Understanding how to compare volatility helps you choose assets that match your risk tolerance and trading style.
Key Volatility Metrics Explained
When performing a cryptocurrency volatility comparison, these are the metrics that matter:
Standard Deviation
Measures price dispersion from the mean. Higher = more volatile.
USE: Best for comparing similar assets over same timeframe.
Average True Range (ATR)
Average of true price ranges over a period. Shows typical daily movement.
USE: Perfect for setting stop-losses and position sizing.
Beta Coefficient
Measures volatility relative to Bitcoin. >1 means more volatile than BTC.
USE: Compare altcoin volatility against market benchmark.
Volatility Index
Percentage-based measure of price swings over time periods.
USE: Quick comparison across different price ranges.
Cryptocurrency Volatility Comparison Table
Here's how popular cryptocurrencies compare in terms of volatility. Use this as a reference when selecting assets to trade:
Cryptocurrency
Daily Range
Weekly Range
Beta (vs BTC)
Category
Bitcoin (BTC)
2-5%
5-15%
1.0
Low
Ethereum (ETH)
3-7%
8-20%
1.2
Medium
Solana (SOL)
5-12%
15-35%
1.8
High
Dogecoin (DOGE)
5-15%
20-50%
2.2
High
Shiba Inu (SHIB)
8-20%
25-60%
2.5
Very High
Chainlink (LINK)
4-10%
12-30%
1.5
Medium-High
Pepe (PEPE)
10-50%
30-100%+
3.0+
Extreme
XRP
3-8%
10-25%
1.3
Medium
How to Compare Volatility in Real-Time
Historical volatility data is useful, but markets change daily. For active trading, you need real-time volatility comparison tools:
LiveVolatile Tracker
Our real-time tracker monitors 500+ cryptocurrencies simultaneously, showing you which coins are experiencing the highest volatility right now.
Effective cryptocurrency volatility comparison requires understanding the right metrics, accessing real-time data, and matching volatility levels to your trading strategy. Use tools like LiveVolatile to monitor markets and identify opportunities that fit your risk profile.
Compare Volatility Now
See real-time volatility comparison across 500+ cryptocurrencies.
Compare cryptocurrency volatility using metrics like standard deviation, ATR (Average True Range), or beta coefficient. Standard deviation measures price variation from the mean, while beta compares a coin's volatility to Bitcoin. Real-time trackers like LiveVolatile show percentage changes for instant comparison.
Which cryptocurrency has the highest volatility?
Meme coins (PEPE, SHIB, DOGE) and low-cap altcoins typically have the highest volatility, often moving 10-50%+ daily. Newer tokens and those with lower liquidity tend to be more volatile than established coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Is Bitcoin more volatile than stocks?
Yes, Bitcoin is approximately 4-5x more volatile than the S&P 500 on average. While large-cap stocks might move 1-2% daily, Bitcoin regularly moves 3-5%, and altcoins can move 10%+ in a single day.
What is a good volatility level for crypto trading?
For day trading, look for coins with 3-10% daily volatility. Less than 2% may not offer enough movement for profits after fees. Above 15% daily volatility significantly increases risk and requires stricter risk management.