Position Size Calculator
Work out how big a position to take from your account size, risk per trade, and stop-loss distance.
- Risk amount
- $10.00
- Position size
- 2.0000 units
- Notional value
- $200.00
Educational tool only — not financial advice. Verify all figures with your platform before trading.
Estimate only — for planning, not financial advice. Your exchange or broker is the source of truth for exact figures.
How it's calculated
Risk amount = balance × risk%. Position size (units) = risk amount ÷ |entry − stop|. Notional = units × entry. This sizes the trade so that hitting your stop loses exactly your chosen risk amount.
Worked example
Say your balance is $5,000 and you risk 1% ($50) per trade. You buy at $100 with a stop at $96, so your stop distance is $4. Position size = $50 ÷ $4 = 12.5 units — a notional of 12.5 × $100 = $1,250. If the stop hits, you lose exactly your planned $50.
FAQ
- How much should I risk per trade?
- A common rule is 1–2% of your account per trade, so a string of losses can't wipe you out. This calculator turns whatever risk you choose into a concrete position size.
- Does position size depend on leverage?
- No. Your position size is set by your risk amount and stop distance. Leverage only changes the margin you must post to open that position — not how much you lose if the stop is hit.