Calculate how much margin is required to open a position. See your margin level and free margin based on leverage and lot size.
Margin = (Contract Size × Lots × Price × USD Rate) ÷ Leverage
Example: 1 lot EUR/USD at 1.0850, 30:1 leverage: (100,000 × 1.0850) ÷ 30 = $3,617
Margin is the collateral required by your broker to open and maintain a leveraged position. It's a portion of your account balance set aside as a deposit — not a fee.
Required margin = (Contract size × Lots × Price) / Leverage. For 1 lot EUR/USD at 1.0850 with 100:1 leverage: (100,000 × 1 × 1.0850) / 100 = $1,085.
Most brokers issue a margin call around 100% margin level and begin closing positions (stop out) around 20-50%. Always maintain adequate free margin.
Lower leverage is safer. EU-regulated brokers cap retail forex at 30:1. Even if higher leverage is available, using 10:1-30:1 provides a safety buffer against margin calls.
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Calculator results are estimates only — not financial advice. Trading involves significant risk of loss. Full risk disclosure.
* 30:1 is the FCA/ESMA retail maximum for major forex pairs
Required Margin (USD)
$3,616.67
Notional value
$108,500
Leverage
30:1
Units
100,000
Hedge Scenario
Margin Call Distance
Free Margin
$6,383.33
Pips to Margin Call
638 pips
Pips to Stop-Out
819 pips
Assumes one open position. MC at ~100% margin level, stop-out at ~50%. Exact thresholds vary by broker.
Max Safe Position Size — $10,000 balance at 30:1
| Profile | Max Lots | Margin Used |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative 75% buffer — large DD room | 0.69 | $2,500 (25%) |
| Moderate 50% buffer — standard practice | 1.38 | $5,000 (50%) |
| Aggressive 20% buffer — thin cushion | 2.21 | $8,000 (80%) |
Click any row to apply. % = share of balance committed as margin. Remaining balance absorbs floating losses.
Formula: (contract size × lots × price) ÷ leverage. Margin is collateral — returned when position closes.