CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.
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Forex margin calculator

A margin calculator estimates how much of your balance is needed to open a leveraged position. Pick an instrument, enter the lot size, price and leverage to see the required margin in USD.

1 lot = 100,000 EUR

Indicative default. Type the current price from your platform.

Enter the x in 1:x. Your maximum leverage depends on the instrument, account type and jurisdiction.

Result

Required margin
$1,080.00
Position value (notional)
$108,000.00
Leverage
1:100

Estimates for a USD account. They exclude spread, commission and swap, and use the price you entered, not a live quote.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Leverage magnifies both gains and losses. Maximum leverage depends on the instrument, account type and your jurisdiction.

How it works

How required margin is calculated

First the calculator works out the position value (notional): lots × contract size × price, in the quote currency, converted to USD.

The required margin is that position value divided by your leverage. For example, 1:100 leverage means you put up 1% of the position value.

Position value (USD) = lots × contract size × price × quote→USD rate
Required margin (USD) = position value ÷ leverage

Worked example

Example: 0.5 lot of gold at 2,400 with 1:100

  1. One lot of XAUUSD is 100 troy ounces, so 0.5 lot is 50 ounces.
  2. Position value = 0.5 × 100 × 2,400 = $120,000.
  3. Required margin = $120,000 ÷ 100 = $1,200.
  4. A $1 move in gold changes the position value by $50, so keep enough free margin to absorb normal price swings.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is margin in trading?

Margin is the part of your account balance that is set aside as a deposit to open and keep a leveraged position. It is not a fee, but it is no longer available as free margin while the position is open.

How does leverage affect margin?

Required margin equals the position value divided by the leverage. At 1:100 you need 1% of the position value; at 1:50 you need 2%. Higher leverage lowers the margin but magnifies both gains and losses.

What happens if my margin level falls too low?

If losses reduce your equity towards the margin in use, you may receive a margin call and positions can be closed automatically at the stop-out level. Check your account terms for the exact levels.

Why is USDJPY margin the same at any price?

On a USD account the position value of USDJPY is already in dollars (1 lot = 100,000 USD), so the margin depends only on the lot size and leverage.

Which leverage should I enter?

Enter the leverage that applies to your account and instrument. Maximum leverage varies by instrument, account type and jurisdiction, and can be lower on metals, indices and crypto than on major currency pairs.

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