ETH Staking Yield Calculator
- Gross ETH staking APR in 2026 averages 3.0-3.5%. The number you actually keep depends on who runs your validator.
- Solo validator keeps 100% of rewards but needs 32 ETH, a DIY node, and full slashing exposure. Realistic net APR: ~3.5%.
- Rocket Pool (rETH) charges a 14% node-operator fee. Net APR about 2.75%. Liquid. No minimum.
- Lido (stETH) charges 10%. Net APR about 2.7%. Largest pool by assets under management, stETH has depeg risk history.
- Coinbase and Binance charge 20-25%. Net APR drops to 2.1-2.2%. You pay for convenience and regulatory cover.
- Over 5 years, the fee difference between solo and Coinbase is about 7% of starting principal. That is real money; pick with care.
2026 Staking Rates Cheat Sheet
| Provider | Gross APR | Fee | Net APR | Min ETH | Liquidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo validator | 3.5% | 0% | 3.50% | 32 | Withdrawal queue |
| Rocket Pool (rETH) | 3.2% | 14% | 2.75% | 0.01 | Instant |
| Lido (stETH) | 3.0% | 10% | 2.70% | 0.001 | Instant |
| Coinbase Staking | 2.8% | 25% | 2.10% | 0.001 | Queue |
| Binance Staking | 2.7% | 20% | 2.16% | 0.0001 | Queue |
Rates reflect consensus + execution layer rewards averaged over the trailing 90 days as of 2026-04. Actual network APR varies with validator count and MEV capture.
How the Calculation Works
- Start with the gross APR you enter (or the 2026 average for the provider you picked).
- Subtract the provider fee. Rocket Pool takes 14% from rewards before they hit rETH holders, so 3.2% gross becomes 2.75% net.
- If auto-compounding is on, apply the net APR using the continuous compound formula: final = principal * (1 + r)^years. If off, use simple: final = principal * (1 + r * years).
- Multiply by current ETH USD price, then by your USD to HKD rate, to see the HK dollar equivalent.
- Subtract an expected slashing loss: principal * slash_probability_per_year * years. This is an expected-value estimate, not a worst case.
FAQ
What is the real APR for ETH staking in 2026?
Gross consensus and execution layer rewards average 3.0 to 3.5% APR in 2026. Net APR after fees: solo validator around 3.5%, Rocket Pool around 2.75% (14% fee), Lido around 2.7% (10% fee), Coinbase around 2.1% (25% fee).
Do I need 32 ETH to stake?
Only for solo validators. Rocket Pool accepts deposits from 0.01 ETH into rETH. Lido accepts 0.001 ETH into stETH. Centralised exchanges typically have similar low minimums.
What is slashing risk?
Slashing penalises validators for double-signing or extended downtime. Solo slash events are under 0.5% annual probability empirically but can cost up to 1 ETH plus inactivity leak. Liquid staking protocols spread the risk across many validators, reducing individual exposure to roughly 0.02-0.05% annual.
Is stETH or rETH taxable in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong does not tax capital gains for individuals. Staking rewards are generally treated as capital appreciation for passive holders, not trading income, per IRD guidance. Professional traders or entities with trading intent may be assessed differently. See our HK dividend tax guide. This is not tax advice.
Why does Coinbase charge 25%?
Coinbase bundles custody, validator operations, insurance, and regulatory compliance into the fee. You trade yield for the lowest operational overhead and simple withdrawal UX.
stETH vs rETH differences?
stETH is rebasing, meaning your balance grows daily to reflect rewards and the peg stays 1:1 with ETH. rETH is non-rebasing, meaning the balance is fixed but the exchange rate to ETH rises over time. Tax and accounting treatment differs.
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This calculator is for estimation only. Actual yield depends on network conditions, MEV capture, validator performance, and fee changes. Not financial or tax advice.