How many futures contracts can I trade if I only want to risk a set dollar amount, based on tick value?
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Fill in the fields on the left and click Calculate to see the maximum contracts for this stop distance.
How this is calculated
Risk per contract equals your stop distance in ticks multiplied by the contract's tick value. Maximum contracts equals your dollar risk divided by that figure, rounded down to a whole contract.
The listed tick values are standard exchange specifications for full-size and micro contracts. Contract specifications are set by the exchange and can change, so confirm the current spec with your broker or the exchange before trading.
This tool calculates risk-based position size only. It does not check margin requirements, use the futures day-trading margin calculator alongside this one to confirm you can actually afford the contract count it returns.
A tick is the minimum price increment for a contract. Tick value is the dollar amount that one tick is worth per contract, which varies by market.
Risk & liability disclaimer: This calculator performs simple arithmetic on the numbers you enter. Listed tick values reflect standard exchange contract specifications as commonly published and can change; always verify current specifications with the exchange or your broker before trading. It is not financial advice and does not check margin requirements or account buying power. Futures trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. Trading Habits is not a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, or tax professional, and is not affiliated with any broker, exchange, or data provider.
Size the Contract Count, Then Check the Margin
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Risk-based sizing and margin availability are two separate checks before you place a futures trade.