Forex Position Size Calculator
Work out exactly how many lots to trade based on your account balance, risk tolerance and stop-loss distance — before you enter a trade.
Why Position Sizing Matters
Position sizing is the single biggest factor in managing risk in forex trading — more important than the entry signal itself. This calculator uses the standard risk-based formula: it takes the dollar amount you're willing to lose on a trade (your account balance × risk %), and divides it by your stop-loss distance and pip value to tell you exactly how many lots to trade so that a stopped-out trade only costs you the risk percentage you chose.
Pip value per standard lot (100,000 units) is typically $10 for pairs quoted in USD (like EUR/USD or GBP/USD), but varies by pair and account currency — check your broker's contract specifications for an exact figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my broker quotes pip value differently?
Pip value varies by currency pair, account currency, and lot size. Check your broker's contract specifications for the exact pip value on the pair you're trading, and enter that instead of the $10 default.
Should I risk more than 2% per trade?
Most traders who survive long term risk 1-2% per trade. Higher risk percentages mean a normal losing streak can do much more damage to your account — see our risk management guide for the full reasoning.
What's the difference between lots, mini lots and micro lots?
A standard lot is 100,000 units of currency, a mini lot is 10,000, and a micro lot is 1,000. This calculator's "units" output tells you the exact position size regardless of which lot size your broker uses.
Does this account for spread and commission?
No — this calculates position size based on your stop-loss distance only. Spread and commission are additional trading costs that aren't factored into the risk calculation itself.