How much margin do I need to open this forex position at my broker's leverage?
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Fill in the fields on the left and click Calculate to see the exact margin this position would require at your broker's leverage.
How this is calculated
Margin requirement is a percentage of the position's full notional value, not a separate fee. Leverage of 50:1 means the broker requires 1/50, or 2%, of the notional value as margin.
Notional value in USD is the position's full size measured in dollars. When USD is the quote currency (pairs like EUR/USD), notional value equals position size in units multiplied by the current exchange rate, since position size is denominated in the base currency. When USD is the base currency (pairs like USD/CAD or USD/JPY), position size is already denominated in USD, so notional value equals position size directly.
Required margin equals notional value divided by leverage. Higher leverage lowers the margin required to open the same position, and also increases how much a given price move affects your account in percentage terms.
Margin is not a loss or a fee, it's account equity your broker sets aside and can't be used for other trades while the position is open. It's returned when the position closes, minus or plus whatever the trade actually gained or lost.
Cross pairs where neither currency is USD, such as EUR/GBP or EUR/JPY, need a second conversion step that this calculator doesn't cover.
Risk & liability disclaimer: This calculator produces a mathematical estimate based on the numbers you enter, not live market data or your actual broker's margin rules. Exchange rates move continuously and this tool does not pull or refresh rates automatically. Actual margin requirements, leverage limits, and margin call rules vary by broker and jurisdiction, always confirm your broker's specific terms. This is not financial advice and does not guarantee any trading outcome. Trading Habits is not a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, or tax professional, and is not affiliated with any broker, exchange, or data provider. Forex trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. You could lose some or all of the capital you trade with, and leveraged trading can amplify losses beyond your initial margin in some account types.
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