How many futures contracts should I trade for a fixed dollar risk?

Contracts = risk dollars ÷ (stop distance in ticks × tick value). Example: risking $500 with a 20-tick stop on E-mini S&P 500 ($12.50/tick) allows 2 contract(s).

What if the result is zero contracts?

Your stop distance costs more than your risk budget for even one contract — widen the risk budget, tighten the stop, or use a smaller (micro) contract.

Does this account for margin?

No — it sizes by risk, not margin. Check the margin calculator and your broker's requirements separately.

Position Size Calculator

Account, risk %, stop distance → how many contracts. The arithmetic, not advice.

Contract

Account size ($)

Risk per trade (%)

Stop distance (ticks)

Worked example — $50,000 account, 1% risk ($500), 20-tick stop on E-mini S&P 500: $500 ÷ (20 × $12.50) = 2 contract(s), risking $500.00.

How the math works

Risk budget = account × risk%. Cost of the stop per contract = stop ticks × tick value. Contracts = floor(budget ÷ cost); the tool never rounds up.

FAQ

How many futures contracts should I trade for a fixed dollar risk?: Contracts = risk dollars ÷ (stop distance in ticks × tick value). Example: risking $500 with a 20-tick stop on E-mini S&P 500 ($12.50/tick) allows 2 contract(s).
What if the result is zero contracts?: Your stop distance costs more than your risk budget for even one contract — widen the risk budget, tighten the stop, or use a smaller (micro) contract.
Does this account for margin?: No — it sizes by risk, not margin. Check the margin calculator and your broker's requirements separately.

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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.