How many different kinds of crypto Futures are there, and what are their differences?

11/21/2022, 8:06:12 AM
Beginner
Futures
1. Gate Learn has a dedicated contract newbie section to familiarize users with the fundamentals of futures, as well as to introduce Gate.io's contract products and contract trading rules; 2. This article will go through the three types of futures: U-M perpetual contracts, coin-M perpetual contracts, and delivery contracts. It shall analyze the three forms of futures in terms of concept, and principles and compare their differences.

A. Common types of crypto Futures

As the quantity and size of market players increased, the entire crypto asset industry developed at an astonishing rate, as did the crypto futures trading market. According to the data of relevant institutions, “the size of the crypto asset contract market has exceeded one trillion US dollars”. There are two sorts of crypto futures that are most prevalent on the market:

  1. Perpetual Contract
    a. Concept: Gate.io perpetual contract is a derivative product of encrypted assets. Users can predict the price trend and then choose to buy long or sell short to obtain the benefits from the ups and downs of the prices.
    b. Difference between contract and spot

    c. The difference between perpetual contracts and traditional futures contracts

    d. The difference between USDT-M perpetual contracts and Currency-M perpetual contracts

2.Delivery contract
The Gate.io delivery contract is a derivative of a crypto asset that can only be settled at the moment in USDT (U-Margin) and BTC (BTC-Margin).
A delivery contract stipulates that the underlying asset must be bought and sold at the agreed-upon price on the scheduled delivery day (which may fall on the same week, the following week, or the current quarter). It, unlike the perpetual contract, has a delivery date (i.e. the maturity date). Both the buyer and the seller are obligated to perform the contract and complete the delivery at the maturity date.

B. What is the difference between perpetual contracts and delivery contracts?

The difference between the two:

C. Conclusion

Perpetual contracts and delivery contracts are the two types of futures that are mostly traded in the crypto asset contract markets. Perpetual contracts dominate the market because of their simple operations, the capability of being held on a long-term basis, and their mature market mechanisms, while delivery contracts are frequently used in arbitrage trades by big institutional investors.
For more information about the trade of perpetual contracts, please visit the Gate.io Futures platform and click to register.

Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only, and any contents provided herein do not constitute investment advice, nor is Gate.io responsible for any of your investments. Contents such as technical analysis, market judgment, trading skills, and trader sharing may be subject to potential risks, investment variables, and uncertainties. This article does not suggest or imply any opportunities with guaranteed returns.

Author: Frank
Translator: Kris
Reviewer(s): Levion
* The information is not intended to be and does not constitute financial advice or any other recommendation of any sort offered or endorsed by Gate.
* This article may not be reproduced, transmitted or copied without referencing Gate. Contravention is an infringement of Copyright Act and may be subject to legal action.

Share

Content

A. Common types of crypto Futures

B. What is the difference between perpetual contracts and delivery contracts?

The difference between the two:

Crypto Calendar

Major Events
LINEA will have its TGE on September 10, with the airdrop claim window open from September 10 to December 9. 85% of the total supply of LINEA is allocated to the ecosystem, with 10% allocated to early users and developers, and 75% going to the ecosystem fund, with no allocation to teams or VCs. All airdrop tokens are fully unlocked.
VC
-3.02%
2025-09-10
Hackathon
Theta Network will host the BlockJam Hackathon during ThetaEuroCon in Berlin from September 7 to 11. Focused on AI and blockchain innovation, the event offers over $150,000 in prizes and incubator funding. Developers working in AI or blockchain are encouraged to apply. Selected top participants will receive complimentary conference passes and hotel accommodations covered by TEC. Applications are open via theta-euro.com/block-jam.
THETA
-4.14%
2025-09-10
11.31MM Token Unlock
Aptos un locks tokens at 10 AM UTC.
APT
2.48%
2025-09-10
Hackathon
Chiliz has launched the Hacking Tricolor hackathon in collaboration with Ethereum Brasil and São Paulo FC. The event runs from September 3 to 11, combining online and in-person formats. Participants will build fan token utilities and DeFi applications powered by the SPFC token. The final stage will be held at Morumbi Stadium on September 10–11.
CHZ
-3.02%
2025-09-10
MiAssets Auto-Migration Ends
Mitosis has concluded its Incentivized Migration Period. Remaining Expedition miAssets on external chains will automatically migrate to the Mitosis mainnet. The auto-migration process will close on September 11 at 00:00 UTC.
MITO
2025-09-10

Related Articles

Perpetual Contract Funding Rate Arbitrage Strategy in 2025
Beginner

Perpetual Contract Funding Rate Arbitrage Strategy in 2025

Perpetual contract funding rate arbitrage refers to the simultaneous execution of two transactions in the spot and perpetual contract markets, with the same underlying asset, opposite directions, equal quantities, and offsetting profits and losses. The goal is to profit from the funding rates in perpetual contract trading. As of 2025, this strategy has evolved significantly, with average funding rates stabilizing at 0.015% per 8-hour period for popular trading pairs, representing a 50% increase from 2024 levels. Cross-platform opportunities have emerged as a new arbitrage vector, offering additional 3-5% annualized returns. Advanced AI algorithms now optimize entry and exit points, reducing slippage by approximately 40% compared to manual execution.
5/23/2025, 6:47:35 AM
What is Aevo? All you need to know about AEVO token (2025)
Intermediate

What is Aevo? All you need to know about AEVO token (2025)

Aevo is a leading decentralized derivatives trading platform dedicated to options and perpetual contracts trading. As of 2025, the platform has achieved significant growth with monthly trading volumes exceeding $15 billion and 250,000 active traders. The AEVO token has shown remarkable performance, with a 609% market cap increase to $780 million since 2023. The platform has expanded with multi-chain integration, advanced risk management tools, and strategic partnerships, establishing itself among the top 5 decentralized derivatives platforms with approximately 28% market share in DeFi options trading.
5/29/2025, 2:05:40 AM
Understanding The Moving Average
Intermediate

Understanding The Moving Average

1. This Gate Learn Futures Intermediate Courses introduces concepts and usage of various technical indicators, including Candlestick charts, technical patterns, moving averages, and trend lines. 2. In Section II, we will fully elaborate on the moving average from the following aspects: concept, characteristics, usage, and application.
2/21/2023, 3:27:45 PM
Detailed Explanation of Granville 8 Rules (Updated 2025)
Intermediate

Detailed Explanation of Granville 8 Rules (Updated 2025)

This Gate Learn Futures Intermediate Course introduces concepts and usage of various technical indicators, including Candlestick charts, technical patterns, moving averages, and trend lines. 2. This article introduces the basics of Granville's 8 rules, a classic moving average-based market analysis theory, with 2025 updates showing improved success rates for cryptocurrency trading. The contents cover the concept, usage, application scenarios, and recent enhancements including AI integration, shortened timeframes for volatile markets, and effectiveness metrics showing 6-8% improvement in success rates since 2023.
6/17/2025, 10:20:35 AM
What Is Perpetual Futures Contract?
Intermediate

What Is Perpetual Futures Contract?

Trade futures with no settlement date
1/17/2023, 10:39:43 AM
Introduction to Funding Rate Arbitrage Quantitative Funds
Beginner

Introduction to Funding Rate Arbitrage Quantitative Funds

A funding rate arbitrage quantitative fund is a specialized investment tool designed for the cryptocurrency market, aiming to generate stable, market-neutral returns through perpetual contracts’ funding rate mechanism. The fund’s core strategy involves simultaneously holding both spot and hedged perpetual contract positions, which utilizes market fluctuations' hedging effect to focus returns on funding rate payments. This approach is ideal for investors seeking consistent returns with lower risk tolerance. In comparison to traditional financial products, funding rate arbitrage funds offer greater return potential. The use of quantitative models enhances decision-making, ensuring efficient and precise capital allocation.
2/19/2025, 9:56:43 AM
Start Now
Sign up and get a
$100
Voucher!