How do I calculate profit and loss on a futures trade?

Multiply the number of ticks between entry and exit by the contract's tick value, then by the number of contracts. Example: a 10-tick gain on one Gold (GC) contract is 10 × $10.00 = $100.00.

What is a tick in futures?

The smallest price increment a contract can move, set by the exchange. Gold moves in 0.1 increments worth $10.00 each.

Does this calculator include fees?

Only if you enter them — the round-turn fee field subtracts your combined exchange, clearing and broker fee per contract.

Futures Calculator

Entry, exit, contracts → ticks and dollars. Exchange-verified specs for 46 contracts.

Contract

Direction

Entry price

Exit price

Contracts

Round-turn fee per contract ($, optional)

Worked example — A 10-tick move on 1 Gold contract (GC) is $100.00 — tick size 0.1 × tick value $10.00. Going long one GC at 2,400.0 and exiting at 2,401.0 is 10 ticks = $100.00.

How the math works

P&L = (exit − entry) ÷ tick size × tick value × contracts × direction − fees. Tick size and tick value are exchange constants (see each contract's specification page); nothing else is assumed. Exchange, clearing and broker fees vary; enter your own round-turn fee to include them.

FAQ

How do I calculate profit and loss on a futures trade?: Multiply the number of ticks between entry and exit by the contract's tick value, then by the number of contracts. Example: a 10-tick gain on one Gold (GC) contract is 10 × $10.00 = $100.00.
What is a tick in futures?: The smallest price increment a contract can move, set by the exchange. Gold moves in 0.1 increments worth $10.00 each.
Does this calculator include fees?: Only if you enter them — the round-turn fee field subtracts your combined exchange, clearing and broker fee per contract.

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Calculators are arithmetic on contract specifications, not advice. Futures trading involves substantial risk of loss. Specs from exchange sources, verified 2026-07-25 — methodology.