Position size calculator
Work out how many lots or contracts to trade so a stop-out costs exactly what you planned. No sign-up needed.
Position size
0.50 lots
Long · stop 20.0 pips away
Amount at risk
$100.00
Target $100.00
Value per pip
$10.00
per lot · $5.00 at your size
How the formula works
First decide how much you're willing to lose if the stop is hit: your balance times your risk percentage, or a fixed amount. Then measure the distance from entry to stop in pips (forex) or points (gold and futures). Divide the amount at risk by that distance times the value of one pip or point for one lot or contract.
Position size = amount at risk ÷ (stop distance × value per pip or point)
Worked example
A $10,000 account risking 1% has $100 at risk. Buying EUR/USD at 1.0850 with a stop at 1.0830 is a 20-pip stop. One standard lot of EUR/USD is worth about $10 per pip, so the size is $100 ÷ (20 × $10) = 0.50 lots. If the stop is hit, you lose about $100.
ES and NQ trade in whole contracts ($50 and $20 per point), so the size is rounded and the real risk can differ from your target.
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Start free trialFor planning and education only. Not financial advice.