How Much Bitcoin Should I Own in My Portfolio?

From 0% to 5% to all-in maximalist — here's how to think about position sizing without copying anyone else.

The right Bitcoin allocation depends almost entirely on two things: your time horizon and your ability to emotionally survive a 70% drawdown without panic-selling. There is no universal correct number.

The 'sleep at night' test

Imagine your Bitcoin position dropping 70% tomorrow. Could you hold? Could you keep buying? If the answer is 'no,' your position is too large. Most beginners find their actual emotional limit is well below what they thought it would be.

Common allocation frameworks

Skeptic: 0–1% of net worth. Mainstream: 1–5%. Bitcoin-leaning: 5–15%. Conviction holder: 15–30%. Bitcoin maximalist: 30%+. Each is defensible for the right person — but only one of them is right for you.

How to ratchet up over time

Start low. Hold through one full 4-year cycle. Re-evaluate your allocation after you've personally experienced both a 70% drawdown and a recovery. Conviction earned through experience is worth far more than conviction borrowed from a podcast.

Key takeaways