The Altcoin Season Index is a cryptocurrency market indicator that measures how many alternative cryptocurrencies outperform Bitcoin over a specific period. CoinMarketCap’s version compares the 90-day price performance of the top 100 eligible cryptocurrencies, excluding Bitcoin, stablecoins, and certain asset-backed or wrapped tokens.
A reading of 75 or higher indicates altcoin season, meaning at least 75% of the eligible cryptocurrencies have outperformed Bitcoin over the previous 90 days. A reading of 25 or lower indicates Bitcoin season. Values between these thresholds represent market conditions that do not meet either definition.
The index helps investors understand whether cryptocurrency market momentum is concentrated in Bitcoin or spreading across alternative digital assets.
You can monitor the CoinMarketCap Altcoin Season Index to view its latest reading, historical values, and performance comparisons.
Understanding this indicator is particularly useful when evaluating altcoin performance and broader cryptocurrency market trends.
Key Takeaways
- The Altcoin Season Index measures how many eligible altcoins outperform Bitcoin over 90 days.
- CoinMarketCap uses the top 100 ranked eligible cryptocurrencies for its calculation.
- A reading of 75 or higher confirms altcoin season under CoinMarketCap’s definition.
- A reading of 25 or lower indicates Bitcoin season.
- Bitcoin dominance, Ethereum performance, trading volume, and market capitalization provide additional context.
- The index measures historical relative performance rather than predicting future cryptocurrency prices.
- Investors should combine the index with other market indicators and risk-management strategies.
How Does the CoinMarketCap Altcoin Season Index Work?
The CoinMarketCap Altcoin Season Index works by comparing the 90-day price returns of eligible cryptocurrencies against Bitcoin. It then calculates the percentage of tracked cryptocurrencies that have outperformed BTC.
The resulting score ranges from 1 to 100 and is updated daily.
According to CoinMarketCap’s official methodology, the calculation uses the top 100 ranked coins while excluding stablecoins and certain asset-backed or wrapped tokens. CoinMarketCap
Understanding the 90-Day Performance Calculation
The index uses a straightforward relative-performance comparison.
For example, suppose an eligible cryptocurrency gains 30% over 90 days while Bitcoin gains 20% during the same period.
The altcoin has outperformed Bitcoin by 10 percentage points.
However, if another cryptocurrency gains only 12% while Bitcoin gains 20%, it has underperformed the benchmark.
The index counts the number of eligible altcoins that beat Bitcoin and converts that number into a percentage.
Simplified formula:
\[ \text{Altcoin Season Index} = \frac{\text{Altcoins outperforming BTC}} {\text{Eligible altcoins}} \times 100 \]
For example, if 75 out of 100 eligible cryptocurrencies outperform Bitcoin, the index reads 75, indicating altcoin season.
This calculation provides a market-breadth measurement rather than focusing on the performance of only one or two popular cryptocurrencies.
Which Cryptocurrencies Are Included?
CoinMarketCap selects the top 100 ranked cryptocurrencies at the end of each day, excluding certain assets that would distort the comparison.
These exclusions include:
- Stablecoins such as Tether (USDT) and Dai (DAI).
- Asset-backed or wrapped tokens such as Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC).
- Certain derivative or wrapped representations of other assets.
Ethereum is included in the altcoin group under CoinMarketCap’s methodology. CoinMarketCap
This distinction matters because the index is intended to measure the performance of alternative cryptocurrencies against Bitcoin, rather than include assets designed to maintain a stable value or mirror another cryptocurrency.
What Do Altcoin Season Index Readings Mean?
Altcoin Season Index readings show the percentage of eligible altcoins outperforming Bitcoin over the previous 90 days.
The following table explains the main interpretation zones.
| Index reading | Market condition | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–25 | Bitcoin Season | Most eligible altcoins underperform Bitcoin |
| 26–74 | Transition zone | Market leadership is mixed |
| 75–100 | Altcoin Season | At least 75% of eligible altcoins outperform Bitcoin |
How to interpret the index
Bitcoin Season
0–25
Bitcoin is outperforming most eligible altcoins.
Transition Zone
26–74
Market performance is mixed, with no confirmed season.
Altcoin Season
75–100
At least 75% of eligible altcoins outperform Bitcoin.
Illustrative index zones based on CoinMarketCap’s published thresholds, not a live market reading. CoinMarketCap
Bitcoin Season: 0–25
Bitcoin season occurs when 25% or fewer eligible altcoins outperform Bitcoin over the 90-day measurement period.
This suggests that Bitcoin has stronger relative performance across the tracked cryptocurrency market.
During these conditions, investors may favor Bitcoin over alternative cryptocurrencies, particularly when market uncertainty increases.
However, a Bitcoin Season reading does not necessarily mean that every altcoin is declining. Some alternative cryptocurrencies can still record gains while underperforming Bitcoin.
Neutral or Transition Phase: 26–74
The transition zone represents mixed cryptocurrency market performance.
Some altcoins outperform Bitcoin, while others lag behind.
For example, an index reading of 65 means that approximately 65% of the eligible cryptocurrencies have outperformed Bitcoin over the measurement period.
This suggests relatively broad altcoin strength, but it does not meet CoinMarketCap’s 75% threshold for altcoin season.
The original September 2024 article reported a reading of 65. That figure should be treated strictly as a historical snapshot, not as a current index value.
A rising transition-zone reading may indicate improving altcoin market breadth, while a falling reading can suggest that Bitcoin is regaining relative strength.
Altcoin Season: 75–100
Altcoin season begins when at least 75% of eligible altcoins outperform Bitcoin over 90 days.
This indicates broader market participation beyond Bitcoin.
During these periods, several cryptocurrency sectors may experience increased attention, including:
- Ethereum ecosystem tokens.
- Layer-1 and Layer-2 projects.
- Decentralized finance (DeFi) tokens.
- Artificial intelligence-related cryptocurrencies.
- Gaming and metaverse tokens.
- Meme coins and community-driven assets.
- Real-world asset (RWA) tokens.
However, an index reading of 75 does not guarantee that all altcoins will rise or that the market will remain strong.
A reading closer to 100 represents even broader relative outperformance, but it is not a separate official requirement for altcoin season.
Is Altcoin Season Happening Right Now?
The most reliable way to determine whether altcoin season is happening is to check the latest CoinMarketCap Altcoin Season Index reading.
The index changes as cryptocurrency prices and relative performance evolve. A historical reading should never be presented as today’s market condition.
Check the latest market reading
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CoinMarketCap Altcoin Season Index
Official 90-day performance indicator
View the live index, historical readings, eligible cryptocurrencies, and official methodology.View live Altcoin Season Index
As of November 4, 2026, this article does not assign a numerical live reading because the dynamic index value has not been independently captured for publication. Always verify the value directly from the live tracker before making a market assessment.
When reviewing the index, consider three things:
- Current reading: Is it approaching or exceeding 75?
- Direction: Is the score rising or falling over recent days and weeks?
- Market confirmation: Are Bitcoin dominance, trading volume, and altcoin market capitalization supporting the same trend?
A single index reading is not enough to establish a sustainable market cycle.
Key Indicators That Help Identify Altcoin Season
The Altcoin Season Index is useful, but investors should examine other cryptocurrency market indicators before drawing conclusions.
Three important areas are Bitcoin dominance, Ethereum’s relative performance, and overall altcoin market activity.
Bitcoin Dominance
Bitcoin dominance measures Bitcoin’s share of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization.
It is commonly calculated as:
\[ \text{BTC Dominance} = \frac{\text{Bitcoin Market Cap}} {\text{Total Crypto Market Cap}}\times100 \]
A declining Bitcoin dominance reading can indicate that alternative cryptocurrencies are gaining market share.
For example, if Bitcoin’s market capitalization remains relatively stable while altcoin market capitalization increases, Bitcoin’s dominance may decrease.
This can support an altcoin-season thesis, particularly when the Altcoin Season Index is also rising.
However, declining dominance does not automatically mean that altcoins are experiencing positive returns. Bitcoin’s dominance can fall even when the broader market is declining, provided altcoins lose value more slowly.
Investors can monitor CoinMarketCap’s Bitcoin Dominance chart and TradingView’s cryptocurrency dominance tools.
Ethereum and the ETH/BTC Ratio
Ethereum is an important asset to monitor when evaluating broader cryptocurrency market strength.
The ETH/BTC ratio compares the price of Ethereum with Bitcoin.
When ETH/BTC rises, Ethereum is outperforming Bitcoin over the selected period. This can indicate improving relative strength in the altcoin market.
Ethereum also plays a major role in decentralized finance, smart contracts, NFTs, and other blockchain applications.
However, Ethereum’s performance alone cannot confirm altcoin season. The index evaluates a broader group of cryptocurrencies, so widespread outperformance matters more than the performance of one major asset.
Altcoin Trading Volume and Market Capitalization
Trading volume and market capitalization provide additional information about market activity.
Trading volume measures the amount of cryptocurrency traded over a specified period. Higher volume can indicate increased market participation, although it does not necessarily mean that prices will continue rising.
Altcoin market capitalization measures the combined value of eligible alternative cryptocurrencies.
Investors can monitor these metrics to determine whether market growth is broad-based or concentrated in a small number of assets.
For additional research, explore top altcoins for potential investments and cryptocurrencies positioned for the next bull run.
Exchange Inflows and Outflows
Exchange flows measure cryptocurrency moving into or out of exchange wallets.
- Exchange inflows: Cryptocurrency deposited into exchanges.
- Exchange outflows: Cryptocurrency withdrawn from exchanges.
- Exchange netflows: The difference between inflows and outflows.
A sustained increase in exchange outflows may indicate that investors are moving assets into personal wallets or other custody arrangements.
However, this activity does not always represent long-term accumulation. Transfers can also involve staking, custody changes, internal exchange movements, or other operational activities.
CryptoQuant provides exchange inflow and outflow metrics that can help investors evaluate these movements.
The important point is to combine exchange-flow data with price trends, trading volume, and broader market conditions rather than treating withdrawals as an automatic bullish signal.
Best Tools for Tracking the Altcoin Season Index
Investors can use several cryptocurrency platforms to monitor market conditions and identify potential changes in altcoin performance.
CoinMarketCap
CoinMarketCap: portale analisi crypto – The Crypto Gateway
CoinMarketCap
CoinMarketCap provides the official Altcoin Season Index, cryptocurrency rankings, market capitalization data, historical readings, and other market indicators.Track the CMC Altcoin Season Index
Investors can use the platform to:
- Check the latest index reading.
- Review historical performance.
- Compare eligible altcoins with Bitcoin.
- Monitor Bitcoin dominance.
- Explore market capitalization trends.
The CoinMarketCap API integration guide also provides additional background for readers interested in cryptocurrency data integration.
CryptoQuant
CryptoQuant
CryptoQuant offers on-chain analytics, exchange-flow data, and cryptocurrency market indicators.Explore CryptoQuant
Its tools can help users examine:
- Exchange inflows and outflows.
- Exchange reserves.
- Whale-related transactions.
- Network activity.
- Market participation trends.
These metrics can provide context for interpreting altcoin performance and possible changes in investor behavior.
Binance Market Data
Binance
Binance provides cryptocurrency trading data, including price movements, trading volume, and market activity.Explore Binance markets
Its market data can help investors compare individual altcoin performance and identify changes in trading activity.
Users can also research low-fee cryptocurrency exchanges when evaluating trading platforms.
CryptoRank
Free Portfolio Tracker. Crypto asset management | CryptoRank.io
CryptoRank
CryptoRank offers market analytics, cryptocurrency rankings, and index-related charts.View CryptoRank Altcoin Index charts
Its charts can complement CoinMarketCap data by providing another perspective on market-wide altcoin performance.
Investors should check the calculation method before comparing different platforms because index providers may use different coin universes and historical data methodologies.
How to Use the Altcoin Season Index in Market Analysis
The Altcoin Season Index can help investors understand market leadership and relative cryptocurrency performance.
A practical approach involves combining its reading with other indicators rather than making decisions based on one threshold.
Consider the following process:
Step 1: Check the current index reading.
Visit CoinMarketCap and determine whether the score is in Bitcoin season, the transition zone, or altcoin season.
Step 2: Review the index trend.
Compare the latest reading with previous daily and weekly values. A consistently rising reading can indicate improving altcoin breadth.
Step 3: Examine Bitcoin dominance.
Check whether Bitcoin’s share of total cryptocurrency market capitalization is declining. Look for confirmation rather than assuming every decline signals an altcoin rally.
Step 4: Evaluate Ethereum’s relative strength.
Review the ETH/BTC ratio to determine whether Ethereum is gaining against Bitcoin.
Step 5: Check trading volume and market capitalization.
Look for increased activity across multiple altcoin sectors rather than isolated gains in individual tokens.
Step 6: Assess individual cryptocurrency fundamentals.
Explore project development, token supply, liquidity, adoption, and potential risks before making investment decisions.
Readers researching potential opportunities can also explore how to identify promising altcoins before they gain attention.
This process provides a more comprehensive picture of the market than relying on the Altcoin Season Index alone.
Risks and Limitations of Altcoin Season Indicators
The Altcoin Season Index is a useful market-breadth indicator, but it has limitations.
Investors should understand these limitations before using it to make portfolio decisions.
1. Historical performance does not predict future returns.
The index measures how cryptocurrencies performed over the previous 90 days. It does not guarantee that the same assets will outperform during the next 90 days.
2. Market conditions can change quickly.
A rising index can reverse when Bitcoin gains strength or when altcoin prices experience widespread corrections.
3. Individual altcoins have different risk profiles.
A cryptocurrency’s inclusion in the index does not establish its long-term value, adoption, or investment quality.
4. Market capitalization does not guarantee liquidity.
Some assets may have relatively high reported market capitalizations but limited trading depth.
5. Exchange-flow data can be misleading.
Large transfers do not always represent buying or selling intentions. Wallet movements should be evaluated alongside other on-chain information.
6. Different indexes may produce different results.
The CoinMarketCap methodology uses its own eligible top-100 basket. Other trackers may use a top-50 basket or different exclusion rules. Their readings should not be treated as directly interchangeable.
Investors researching affordable cryptocurrencies or different altcoin investment opportunities should conduct independent research and consider their risk tolerance.
An altcoin season can create opportunities, but it can also involve substantial volatility, rapid reversals, and liquidity challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Altcoin Season Index?
The Altcoin Season Index measures the percentage of eligible cryptocurrencies that outperform Bitcoin over a rolling 90-day period. CoinMarketCap considers a reading of 75 or higher to represent altcoin season, while a reading of 25 or lower indicates Bitcoin season.
2. How does CoinMarketCap calculate the Altcoin Season Index?
CoinMarketCap compares the 90-day price performance of its top 100 eligible cryptocurrencies against Bitcoin. Stablecoins and certain asset-backed or wrapped tokens are excluded. The percentage of cryptocurrencies outperforming Bitcoin determines the index reading.
3. What does an Altcoin Season Index reading of 65 mean?
A reading of 65 means approximately 65% of eligible cryptocurrencies have outperformed Bitcoin over the previous 90 days. It indicates relatively strong altcoin performance but does not meet the official 75 threshold for altcoin season.
4. What index level confirms altcoin season?
A reading of 75 or higher confirms altcoin season under CoinMarketCap’s methodology. This means at least 75% of the eligible cryptocurrencies have outperformed Bitcoin over the previous 90 days.
5. What is Bitcoin season?
Bitcoin season occurs when 25% or fewer eligible altcoins outperform Bitcoin over 90 days. It indicates that Bitcoin has stronger relative performance across the tracked cryptocurrency market.
6. Is altcoin season happening right now?
To determine whether altcoin season is happening, check the latest CoinMarketCap Altcoin Season Index. A reading of 75 or higher meets its definition of altcoin season. Lower readings indicate that the required market-wide outperformance threshold has not been reached.
7. How does Bitcoin dominance affect altcoin season?
Bitcoin dominance measures Bitcoin’s percentage of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization. Declining dominance can indicate that altcoins are gaining market share, although it does not independently confirm an altcoin rally.
8. Why is the ETH/BTC ratio important?
The ETH/BTC ratio compares Ethereum’s value against Bitcoin. An increasing ratio indicates that Ethereum is outperforming Bitcoin, potentially signaling stronger demand for assets outside the Bitcoin market.
9. What tools can I use to track altcoin season?
CoinMarketCap provides its official Altcoin Season Index. Other useful resources include CryptoQuant for on-chain analysis, Binance for trading data, TradingView for market charts, and CryptoRank for additional cryptocurrency performance comparisons.
10. Do exchange outflows indicate an upcoming altcoin rally?
Not necessarily. Exchange outflows can indicate that investors are moving cryptocurrency into personal wallets or other custody arrangements. However, these transactions may also involve staking, internal transfers, and other activities. They should be evaluated alongside additional market indicators.
11. How long does altcoin season usually last?
There is no fixed duration for altcoin season. Market conditions, liquidity, investor demand, Bitcoin performance, and broader economic developments can influence how long altcoins outperform. The index measures a rolling 90-day period, not the duration of an entire market cycle.
12. Can the Altcoin Season Index predict cryptocurrency prices?
No. The Altcoin Season Index is a historical relative-performance indicator, not a predictive model. It can help identify changes in market leadership but cannot reliably forecast future prices or guarantee investment returns.
Final Thoughts
The Altcoin Season Index is a valuable tool for understanding whether alternative cryptocurrencies are outperforming Bitcoin. By measuring the percentage of eligible altcoins that deliver stronger 90-day returns, it provides a practical way to assess broader market momentum.
CoinMarketCap’s threshold of 75 or higher identifies altcoin season, while readings of 25 or lower indicate Bitcoin season. Values between these levels represent mixed market conditions.
However, the index should not be used in isolation. Bitcoin dominance, Ethereum’s relative performance, trading volume, market capitalization, and exchange-flow data can provide additional context when evaluating cryptocurrency market cycles.
Investors should also remember that historical outperformance does not guarantee future gains. Market conditions can reverse quickly, and individual altcoins carry different levels of volatility, liquidity, and project risk.
By combining the Altcoin Season Index with reliable market data and independent research, investors can better understand cryptocurrency market rotation and make more informed decisions.
