How to use Position Size Calculator
Plan a position from your balance, risk budget, and stop distance.
- Choose the operation and enter every labeled input, keeping units and the time period consistent.
- Calculate, compare the worked example below and inspect any warnings.
- Change one assumption to compare another scenario; keep the model’s limits in view.
Formula & calculation method
Risk budget = account balance × risk percentage ÷ 100. Estimated lots = risk budget ÷ (stop distance in pips × pip value per standard lot). Round down to the broker lot step. Verify both the minimum position and contract size.
Input reference · 5 fields
These labels describe the calculation’s base units. Supported measurements can switch through the header’s region settings; follow the current workspace labels. Prefilled values are examples.
- Account balance
- Use your account currency for balance and risk.
- Risk per trade (%)
- Your chosen risk assumption; this is not a recommendation.
- Stop distance (pips)
- Distance from your planned entry to stop loss.
- Value of one pip for one standard lot
- In your account currency. Example: EUR/USD, USD account, 100,000-unit lot = USD 10 per pip.
- Broker lot step
- The result is rounded down to this increment; check your broker minimum.
A quick example
With a 1,000 balance, 1% risk, 20-pip stop and 10 per pip per lot, the estimated position is 0.05 lots.
Assumptions, edge cases & limits
- Educational estimate. Excludes spreads, commissions, swaps, slippage, and broker-specific margin tiers. A stop loss does not guarantee the exit price. Verify contract sizes and rates with your broker.
- The lot step must be positive. A result smaller than the broker minimum is not an instruction to increase the risk budget.
Questions about Position Size Calculator
Why is the suggested position size zero lots?
The size that fits your chosen risk budget is below the entered lot step. Do not round upward and assume the same risk. Review broker minimums and the risk represented by its smallest permitted position.
Does position sizing guarantee my maximum loss?
No. It models stop distance and pip value before trading costs. Gaps, slippage, spreads and execution conditions can make a realized loss larger.
Are my files or inputs uploaded?
Calculation and file processing run in your browser without a processing upload. Downloads go to your device. Choosing a next-step transfer creates a temporary local copy for that workflow. Region preferences are stored separately from tool inputs. See our privacy details.
Can I use this tool for free?
Yes. No signup, subscription or payment is required to use the tool or download its output. File tools have device and size limits; a smaller batch may work better on a phone.
Method & references
Read the underlying method or measurement convention in context. These references do not imply affiliation or endorsement.
OANDA: pips and forex conventions ↗Educational finance estimates. Verify rates and contract specifications with your broker.A result or explanation needs correcting? Tell us the tool name and an example.