Available futures contracts
This calculator works with the main futures contracts on indices, commodities, crypto and currencies:
- Nasdaq-100 (/NQ, /MNQ)
- S&P 500 (/ES, /MES)
- Dow Jones (/YM, /MYM)
- Russell 2000 (/RTY, /M2K)
- Gold (/GC, /MGC)
- Silver (/SI, /SIL)
- Crude Oil (/CL, /MCL)
- Natural Gas (/NG, /QG)
- Euro FX Futures (/6E, /M6E)
- Copper (/HG, /MHG)
- Platinum (/PL)
- Brent Crude Oil (/BZ)
- Bitcoin (/BTC, /MBT)
- Ethereum (/ETH, /MET)
How does this calculator work?
This calculator estimates how many contracts you can trade based on:
- Your account size
- The percentage you're prepared to risk
- Your stop-loss in ticks
- The tick value for your chosen contract
How do you find your stop-loss distance in ticks?
Your stop-loss distance in ticks is the gap between your entry price and your stop.
On TradingView, the Long Position or Short Position tool shows it directly:
- Place your entry at your entry price and your stop at your stop-loss level.
- Read the number of ticks shown on the stop line (22 in this example).
- Enter that number in the Stop-loss (ticks) field.
Why use a position size calculator?
Poor risk management can wipe out a trading account. This calculator helps you stick to your plan by avoiding excessive exposure.
With a disciplined approach, you can:
- Limit your losses on each trade
- Adjust your position size to stay within your limits
- Avoid common beginner mistakes
Examples
Example 1: trading the E-mini S&P 500 (/ES) with a $100,000 account
You have $100,000 in capital and want to risk 2% per trade, or $2,000. Your stop-loss is 10 ticks on the E-mini S&P 500 (/ES).
- Loss per contract with a 10-tick stop: $125
- Number of contracts: 16
The calculator shows you can open 16 /ES contracts within your risk limit.
Example 2: trading the Nasdaq (/MNQ) with a $5,000 account
You have a $5,000 account and want to risk 1%, or $50 per trade. You choose a 20-tick stop-loss on the Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 (/MNQ).
- Loss per contract with a 20-tick stop: $10
- Number of contracts: 5
The calculator suggests opening 5 /MNQ contracts to stay within your risk limit.
If the standard contract carries too much risk, the calculator suggests a micro futures alternative.
Trading forex?
If you trade currency pairs rather than futures contracts, use my forex lot size calculator, which works in lots and pips.