Lot Size Calculator

The inputs are pre-filled with neutral sample values. They show how the tool works and are not suggested settings. Replace them with your own figures. The result updates next to the inputs.

What the lot size calculator does

A lot is the standard unit of trade size in forex and CFDs. The broker's contract specification sets how many units of the base currency or asset one lot represents. A position size calculator answers this question: how many lots can I open so that, if my stop-loss is hit, I lose only the amount I decided to risk?

The tool uses three inputs:

• Account balance: the money in your trading account, in the account currency.
• Risk per trade (%): the share of the balance you accept losing if the stop-loss is hit.
• Stop distance: how far your stop-loss is from your entry price, in pips or points. A pip is the standard minimum price step for a currency pair.

The output is the position size in lots. You can also see the money amount at risk.

How to calculate lot size: the formula

The calculator uses the standard position-sizing formula:

Amount at risk = Balance × Risk %

Lot size = Amount at risk ÷ (Stop distance × Pip value per lot)

Pip value per lot is how much one pip of movement is worth for a position of one lot. It depends on the instrument, the contract size and your account currency. To check it for a specific pair, use the pip value calculator.

Brokers set a minimum lot size and a lot step. You usually have to round the result down to the nearest size you are allowed to open. Rounding down keeps the actual risk at or below your chosen amount. Rounding up pushes it above.

Standard and cent accounts

On a standard account, the balance and the pip value are shown in the account currency, such as US dollars.

On a cent account, the balance is shown in cents of the base currency. A position on a cent account also usually represents a smaller contract than a standard lot. Two mistakes are common:

• Typing a cent balance as if it were dollars, which gives a lot size far too large.
• Using a standard-lot pip value for a cent lot.

Choose the matching account type in the tool so the balance and pip value are read in the right units. If you trade with Exness, check the contract size and minimum lot for your account type in the Exness personal area or on the official site. For an overview of how account types differ, see Account types and Standard Cent account.

Reading the result correctly

• Stop distance drives the size. At a fixed risk %, a wider stop gives a smaller position and a tighter stop gives a larger one. The money at risk stays the same.
• The stop must reflect the market. Placing a very tight stop just to open more lots means normal price movement can hit it. Some traders base the stop on volatility. The ATR stop calculator shows that method.
• Costs are not included. Spread, commission and swap add to the real loss on a trade. You can estimate them with the trade cost calculator and the swap calculator.
• Slippage and gaps happen. In fast markets, or over a weekend, price can jump past your stop. The loss can then be larger than the calculated amount.
• Margin is a separate check. A position can fit your risk limit and still need more margin than you have free. Check it with the margin calculator. Margin is the deposit the broker holds to keep a leveraged position open.

Risk warning

Leveraged forex and CFD trading can lose money fast, including more than you planned if price gaps through your stop. A lot size calculator controls how much you risk. It does not make a trade more likely to win.

Per the SECP, offshore forex/CFD platforms operate without regulatory approval in Pakistan. Read Law and regulators before opening any account. For more on sizing, losing streaks and drawdowns, see Risk management, the trade series simulator and the drawdown recovery calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Is a lot size calculator the same as a position size calculator?

Yes. Both terms describe the same calculation: trade size from balance, risk per trade and stop distance. "Lot size" is the usual term in forex. "Position size" is used more widely.

Does the forex lot size calculator work for gold and indices?

The formula is the same, but pip or point value and contract size differ by instrument. Check the contract specification for the symbol and make sure the pip value you use matches it. See Metals and Stock indices for background.

What risk % should I enter?

That is your own decision. This page does not recommend a value. Try different inputs and see how they change the money at risk. The risk-reward calculator and break-even win rate tools can help you understand the trade-offs.

Why is my result smaller than the minimum lot?

Your amount at risk is too small for that stop distance on that account type. You can accept a larger risk, use a tighter stop that still makes sense for the market, or skip the trade. A cent account allows smaller positions.

Can I test my sizing without real money?

Yes. A demo account or the practice simulator lets you check how position sizes behave before risking real funds.