Estimate a lot size from your account balance, planned risk and stop-loss distance.
Forex Position Size CalculatorEstimate a forex position size by dividing your planned risk amount by the stop-loss distance and pip value. This guide shows the calculation; it does not recommend a trade.
Formula
Risk amount = Account balance × Risk percentage ÷ 100
Position size (lots) = Risk amount ÷ (Stop-loss distance in pips × Pip value per standard lot)
Example calculations
These examples assume a pip value of USD 10 per pip for one standard lot. Pip value varies by pair, instrument, and account currency. Check the correct value before using the formula.
| Risk amount | Stop-loss distance | Example position size |
|---|---|---|
| USD 50 | 20 pips | 0.25 lots |
| USD 50 | 25 pips | 0.20 lots |
| USD 50 | 50 pips | 0.10 lots |
| USD 100 | 20 pips | 0.50 lots |
| USD 100 | 25 pips | 0.40 lots |
| USD 100 | 50 pips | 0.20 lots |
| USD 200 | 20 pips | 1.00 lot |
| USD 200 | 25 pips | 0.80 lots |
| USD 200 | 50 pips | 0.40 lots |
What to check
- Use a pip value expressed in the same currency as your account.
- Confirm the stop-loss distance and your broker’s minimum lot increment.
- Spread, commission, swaps, slippage and price gaps can affect the result.
- Contract sizes can differ for gold, indices and other CFDs.
For more information about GrowthX learning programmes, visit GrowthX forex trading courses.
Educational notice: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not investment advice or a trading recommendation. Trading involves risk and may result in loss of capital.