Margin call and stop out calculator

The inputs are pre-filled with neutral sample values. Change any field and the margin level, the margin call price, the stop out price and the equity chart update next to the inputs. Every figure the page refers to comes from the tool, not from this text.

What the calculator shows

• Margin level at the current price and at any price you test.
• Margin call price: the price at which margin level falls to the margin call level you entered.
• Stop out price: the price at which margin level falls to the stop out level and the broker starts closing positions.
• Equity vs price chart: how account equity changes as price moves against or in favour of the position. The margin call and stop out prices are marked on the chart.
• Gap scenario: a toggle that shows what happens if price jumps past the stop out price and the position is closed at a worse price.

Key terms

• Balance: account money excluding open trades.
• Equity: balance plus or minus the floating profit or loss of open positions.
• Used margin: the money the broker sets aside to keep a position open. It depends on position size, price and leverage.
• Free margin: equity minus used margin.
• Margin level: equity divided by used margin, shown as a percentage.
• Margin call: a warning level. When margin level drops to it, you are told that margin is running low. Usually nothing is closed at this point.
• Stop out level: the level at which the broker starts closing positions automatically, usually starting with the position that has the largest loss.

Formulas used by the tool

For a single position, with the contract size taken from the instrument:

• Floating P/L (buy) = (current price − entry price) × contract size × lots
• Floating P/L (sell) = (entry price − current price) × contract size × lots
• Equity = balance + floating P/L
• Used margin = entry price × contract size × lots ÷ leverage
• Margin level = equity ÷ used margin, shown as a percentage

To find the trigger prices, the tool solves equity = level × used margin, with the level written as a decimal fraction:

• Margin call price (buy) = entry − (balance − MC level × used margin) ÷ (contract size × lots)
• Margin call price (sell) = entry + (balance − MC level × used margin) ÷ (contract size × lots)
• Stop out price: the same formulas, using the stop out level in place of the margin call level

If the instrument's quote currency differs from your account currency, P/L and margin have to be converted at the current rate. The tool applies the conversion. For margin on its own, use the margin calculator. For the money value of each pip, use the pip value calculator.

How leverage and size move the stop out level

Higher leverage lowers used margin. With a small used margin, the account can absorb a larger price move before margin level reaches the stop out level. A larger position does the reverse: each pip costs more, so equity falls faster and the stop out price moves closer to the entry.

Leverage does not reduce risk. A larger position opened because leverage allows it can wipe out the balance with a small move. Test both changes in the tool and compare the distance between the entry and the stop out price. The leverage calculator shows effective leverage separately.

Gap scenario: why the loss can be larger than expected

Stop out is executed at the next available price, not at the exact trigger price. After a weekend, a news release or a thin market, price can open well beyond the stop out price. With the gap toggle on, the tool closes the position at the gapped price you set and shows the resulting balance. That balance can be far lower than at the planned stop out, and in some cases below zero. Whether a negative balance is reset depends on the broker's terms.

Leveraged forex and CFD trading can lose money quickly, including money deposited a short time ago. Stop loss orders are subject to the same gap risk. See risk management for position sizing and the lot size calculator to size a trade from a fixed risk.

Margin call and stop out levels differ by broker

Brokers set their own margin call and stop out levels, and these can differ by account type and instrument. If you use an Exness account, check the current levels for your account type in the Exness personal area or on the official site before entering them here.

Note for traders in Pakistan

On payments, per the SBP, remitting foreign exchange to overseas forex/margin/CFD platforms is not allowed through any payment channel (FERA s.5(1)). Also, per the SECP, offshore platforms have no Pakistani licence or oversight and offer no legal protection or recourse. Read law and regulators before opening any account.

Frequently asked questions

What is a margin call in forex?

It is a warning that margin level has fallen to the broker's margin call level. Positions usually stay open, but the account is close to stop out.

What is the difference between margin call and stop out level?

Margin call is a warning. Stop out is the level where the broker starts closing positions automatically to stop equity from falling further.

Does a margin call mean I have to deposit money?

No broker can force a deposit. Margin level goes up if equity rises or used margin falls, for example by closing or reducing positions.

Why was my position closed above the stop out price shown?

Spread widening raises the chance of reaching the level earlier, and a gap can close the trade beyond it. Swap charges also reduce equity. The swap calculator shows that cost.

Does the calculator handle several open positions?

It models a single position. With several positions, total equity and total used margin decide the margin level, so treat the result as an estimate.

Can I practise this without real money?

Yes. A demo account or the practice simulator lets you watch margin level change without risking a balance.