Bitcoin vs Gold since 2012
1,212,349% × 137%
Updated July 1, 2026 · daily closing prices (not exportable)
Since 2012, Bitcoin returned 1,212,349% and Gold returned 137%, in U.S. dollars. Bitcoin won the period — but with different risk: the worst drop was 81% (Bitcoin) vs 40% (Gold).
Base 100 since 2012
Why compare Bitcoin and Gold (XAU/USD)
Bitcoin and gold compete for one title: a scarce store of value with no cash flow, beyond the reach of any central bank. That is why bitcoin is called "digital gold," and this duel tests whether the nickname holds up. The contrast is one of temperament. Gold is the world's oldest store of value, moving in slow swings across centuries and tending to shine in crises and when the dollar weakens. Bitcoin has less than two decades of history and delivers its multiples and collapses in a fraction of that time. One is the slow, time-tested hedge; the other a young, nervous bet on scarcity written in code. Neither pays interest, so the return is price alone.
Returns by window
| Window | Bitcoin | Gold (XAU/USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | -44% | 25% |
| 5 years | 55% | 127% |
| 10 years | 10,201% | 205% |
| since 2012 | 1,212,349% | 137% |
The price of return: risk
| Asset | Annual volatility | Worst drop |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin | 86% | -81% |
| Gold | 15% | -40% |
$10,000 in each, since 2012
| Asset | Value today |
|---|---|
| Bitcoin | $121,244,868 |
| Gold | $23,681 |
Frequently asked questions
Bitcoin or Gold: which returned more?
Since 2012, Bitcoin returned more in U.S. dollars. Over shorter windows the lead can change — see the per-window table on the page.
Does a higher return mean a better investment?
Not on its own — risk matters. The page shows the volatility and the largest drop of each; similar returns can hide very different rides.
Are these figures in real terms?
No — these are nominal returns in U.S. dollars. To see real (inflation-adjusted) gains, compare each one against U.S. inflation (CPI).
Keep exploring
Descriptive, educational content computed from official public data. Not investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results.