Cryptocurrency arbitrage remains one of the most accessible strategies for traders seeking low-risk profit opportunities in volatile digital asset markets. With price discrepancies often appearing across exchanges due to differences in liquidity, trading volume, and regional demand, tools that can quickly identify these gaps are invaluable. This open-source Node.js-based cryptocurrency arbitrage calculator helps users detect real-time pricing imbalances across over 800 cryptocurrencies and 50 global markets, offering a powerful foundation for data-driven trading decisions.
The tool works by aggregating live price data via API calls to multiple exchanges, comparing bid and ask prices for each coin, and calculating potential profit margins from buying low on one platform and selling high on another. While the developer has shifted focus toward a private trading bot, this public version remains functional and modifiable—ideal for developers and traders interested in building or customizing their own arbitrage detection systems.
How the Arbitrage Calculator Works
At its core, the script operates through a straightforward yet effective process:
- It pulls JSON-formatted market data from numerous cryptocurrency exchanges.
- For each supported coin (e.g., Litecoin, Bitcoin, Ethereum), it identifies the lowest asking price and highest bidding price across all connected platforms.
- It calculates the percentage difference between these two values to determine potential profit.
- Results are sorted by profitability and displayed either locally or via a frontend interface.
For example, if Litecoin (LTC) is priced as follows:
ltc: {
'bittrex': 38.23,
'jubi': 39.78,
'chbtc': 51.8
}The system detects:
- Lowest buy price: Bittrex at $38.23
- Highest sell price: CHBTC at $51.80
- Profit margin: 51.8 / 38.23 ≈ 1.35x (35% return) before fees
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All possible exchange pair combinations are evaluated, ranked, and presented so users can instantly see which coins offer the most promising spreads. This comprehensive scanning capability makes it especially useful during periods of high volatility when temporary mispricings are more common.
Setting Up the Tool Locally
To use this arbitrage calculator, you'll need to run it on your local machine or server. Here’s how to get started:
Prerequisites
Ensure you have Node.js version 8.0.0 or higher installed, as the script uses modern ES7 features like async/await for handling asynchronous API requests efficiently.
Installation Steps
- Clone or download the project repository from GitHub.
Navigate into the project directory using your terminal:
cd /path/to/cryptocurrency-arbitrageInstall required dependencies:
npm installLaunch the application:
node main # or npm start- Access the frontend interface by visiting
http://localhost:3000in your browser.
This will display raw arbitrage data in a minimal UI format, showing current price differences, exchange pairs, and estimated gains.
Customizing Market Data Sources
By default, the tool connects to a predefined list of exchanges defined in the settings.js file. You can customize this list based on your preferences or availability.
To add a new market:
- Open
settings.js - Locate the
marketsarray - Insert a properly formatted market object with correct API endpoints and parsing rules
To disable a market temporarily:
- Use the frontend controls (if available)
- Or remove/comment out the corresponding object in
settings.js
Future updates aim to allow dynamic market configuration directly through the web interface—removing the need for manual code edits.
Current Development Roadmap (v1.5.x – v2.0.0)
Although active development on the public version has slowed, the creator has outlined a clear roadmap for future improvements:
- v1.5.1: Peg BTC prices to USD equivalents per exchange for more accurate cross-market comparisons
- v1.5.2: Add an "info tab" showing maximum tradable volume, highest bid, and lowest ask per opportunity
- v1.5.3: Introduce mobile-responsive frontend design
- v1.5.4: Filter out or warn about disabled/inactive coins on specific exchanges
- v1.5.5: Incorporate transaction and withdrawal fees into final profit calculations
- v1.6.0: Implement historical graphs displaying past arbitrage trends for each coin
- v1.7.0: User authentication system (via Passport.js) allowing personalized market configurations
- v2.0.0: Full integration of a working trading bot capable of executing trades on at least two exchanges
These planned features highlight the tool's evolution from a simple scanner to a semi-automated trading solution.
Built and Deployed With Modern Tools
The project leverages widely adopted technologies for scalability and ease of deployment:
- Backend: Built with Node.js, enabling efficient handling of concurrent API requests
- Hosting: Originally deployed on Microsoft Azure, pulling code directly from GitHub
- Frontend: Served via GitHub Pages, providing a clean, static user interface that fetches live data from the hosted backend
This architecture allows developers to test locally while also supporting cloud deployment for continuous monitoring.
Contributing and Community Support
Despite the shift toward a private bot, contributions to the public repository are still welcomed:
- Developers can submit pull requests or suggest improvements
- Bug reports and documentation enhancements are encouraged
- Discussions around adding new exchanges or improving accuracy are ongoing
You can reach the original author via email for collaboration or clarification (though response times may vary).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this tool fully automated? Can it place trades automatically?
A: No, this public version only identifies arbitrage opportunities—it does not execute trades. Automation is part of a separate, private trading bot under development.
Q: Does the calculator include trading fees in its profit estimates?
A: Not yet, but fee integration is planned for version v1.5.5. Currently, profits shown are gross margins before costs.
Q: Can I run this on a VPS or cloud server for 24/7 monitoring?
A: Yes, as long as Node.js is installed and your server can make outbound HTTPS requests to exchange APIs.
Q: Why are some exchanges missing or returning errors?
A: APIs may change without notice, or certain exchanges might require API keys for access. You may need to update endpoints manually in settings.js.
Q: Is it legal to perform cryptocurrency arbitrage?
A: Yes, arbitrage is a legitimate trading strategy recognized globally, provided you comply with local regulations and exchange terms of service.
Q: How often is price data refreshed?
A: Refresh frequency depends on your setup and API rate limits, but typically updates every few seconds to remain timely.
The cryptocurrency arbitrage calculator serves as both a practical tool and an educational resource for understanding market inefficiencies. While it requires technical know-how to set up and maintain, its flexibility makes it ideal for developers looking to build upon open-source foundations.