Mid-Market Rate Calculator
What is a Mid-Market Rate?
The mid-market rate, also known as the middle rate or mid-point, is the halfway mark between the bid price (what a buyer is willing to pay) and the ask price (what a seller is willing to accept) for a specific currency pair or financial asset. In the world of foreign exchange, this is often considered the "real" exchange rateāthe one used by banks to trade with each other.
If the Bid Price for EUR/USD is 1.1000 and the Ask Price is 1.1010:
Calculation: (1.1000 + 1.1010) / 2 = 1.1005
The mid-market rate is 1.1005.
Why the Mid-Rate Matters
Most commercial banks and money transfer services do not offer the mid-market rate to retail customers. Instead, they add a "markup" to the rate. By calculating the mid-rate, you can identify exactly how much a provider is charging you in hidden fees. The wider the gap (spread) between the bid/ask and the mid-rate, the more expensive the transaction is for you.
How to Calculate the Spread
The spread is the difference between the buy and sell prices. It is calculated as:
Spread = Ask Price - Bid Price
To find the percentage spread, which indicates the relative cost of the trade, use:
Spread % = (Spread / Ask Price) x 100
Key Terms Defined
- Bid Price: The highest price a buyer is currently offering for the asset.
- Ask Price: The lowest price a seller is currently willing to accept.
- Spread: The transaction cost built into the price by the broker or market maker.