Cost Basis Defense ScoreTRINITY EXCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE - Distance between spot price and the network aggregate realized price, mapped onto a 0 to 100 scale: highest when price sits on that cost basis, lower as the gap widens on either side. A high score means the aggregate cost basis is being tested. It is not a forecast that the level holds.
Trinity exclusive model
This metric is a proprietary Trinity Insights model. Its formula, inputs, weights and parameters are NOT disclosed. The page documents only the output (bounded scale, interpretation zones, historical context). Access to the score and its time series is via the REST API and the MCP server, subject to the required tier.
What is it?
The Cost Basis Defense Score measures how close spot price is to Realized Price (the network's aggregate cost basis) and translates that proximity into a 0-100 score. When price is very close to Realized Price, the score is high, close to 100: structural support is being tested. When price moves far away, above or below, the score decreases: support is not in play.
How to read
The score oscillates between 0 and 100. High values (> 70) mean price is very close to Realized Price - a structural 'moment of truth' where support holds or breaks. Low values (< 30) indicate price has moved significantly away from RP, support is not being tested.
Key zones
Score > 80: price is close to Realized Price - maximum tension zone. Score 50-80: moderate distance, support is 'on the radar.' Score < 50: price is far from RP - either in comfortable profit (above) or deep loss (below).
What to observe
Compare scores across levels to identify where the most widely shared cost bases sit. Price descending toward a high-score level is testing a widely shared cost basis; toward a low-score level, it passes far from the cost bases. Rapid score changes (a strong cost basis degrading) are warning indications.
Historical context
CBDS showed high values (> 80) at each price contact with Realized Price: late 2018 ($3.2K vs RP $3.5K), June 2022 ($17.6K vs RP $21K), November 2022 ($15.5K vs RP $20K). These maximum score moments coincided with critical market decision phases.
Expert notes
⚠️ Trinity Exclusive Model - CBDS is a proximity measure to Realized Price, not a prediction model. Its informational value comes from quantifying 'how close the market is to its aggregate cost basis.' For more granular analysis, combine CBDS with Realized Price by cohort (STH/LTH) and NUPL to understand whether recent or long-term buyers are under pressure.
Common mistakes to avoid
The score describes price proximity to cost basis without giving a bounce probability. A high reading does not prevent a break if a major external event occurs. Use this reading alongside other perspectives, never alone.
Programmatic access
REST API
curl -sS \
'https://api.trinityinsights.io/api/v1/onchain/metrics/cost-basis-defense-score/data?timeframe=90d' \
-H 'X-API-Key: $TRINITY_API_KEY'MCP server
{
"tool": "get_chart_value",
"metric_id": "cost-basis-defense-score",
"timeframe": "1y"
}Required tier: performance. See the pricing grid for the tier list and the MCP documentation for multi-client configuration.
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Institutional disclaimer
Trinity Insights is an educational and analytical tool. The metric above does not constitute investment advice. Trinity Insights is not a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) registered under MiCA Regulation (EU) 2023/1114. See the full disclaimer.