Free tools

Margin calculator

Leverage lets you control a large position with a smaller deposit. This calculator shows how much margin you need to open a position of a given size at your chosen leverage.

Contract size · Pip size

These are typical standard values — they vary by broker and instrument, so confirm and adjust them to match your own account.

Result

Notional value
108,000 USD
Required margin
1,080.00 USD

How to use it

  1. 1 Pick your instrument and enter the current price.
  2. 2 Enter your lot size and your leverage (e.g. 1:100).
  3. 3 Choose your account currency and, if needed, the conversion rate.
  4. 4 Read the required margin and the notional value of the position.

How the margin is calculated

Notional value (in the quote currency) = contract size × lots × price. Required margin = notional value ÷ leverage, converted to your account currency. Higher leverage means less margin — but the same exposure and risk.

Frequently asked questions

What is margin?

Margin is the deposit your broker sets aside to keep a leveraged position open. It is not a cost or a fee — it is returned when you close the position, adjusted for your profit or loss.

How does leverage affect the margin?

Margin is inversely proportional to leverage: at 1:100 you need 1% of the notional value; at 1:500, 0.2%. Leverage reduces the deposit required but does not reduce the risk of the full position size.

What is a margin call?

If your account equity falls too close to the required margin, your broker may issue a margin call or close positions automatically. Margin and stop-out levels vary by broker — check yours.

Put the numbers to work

Practice these positions risk-free on the Merini demo — real-time charts and paper trading with virtual funds, in your browser, no install.

Open the free demo

This content is for information and education only and is not investment advice or solicitation. Trading conditions (hours, margin, fees, tick value, etc.) vary by exchange, broker, time, and daylight saving — always verify with your own broker before trading. Derivatives trading can result in losses exceeding your deposit.