Micro Futures Sizer
Calculate exactly how many micro or e-mini futures contracts to trade based on your account size, stop loss, and exact risk parameters.
Trade Setup
Position Size Result
Maximum Contracts to Trade
Execution Setup
Why Position Sizing Matters in Futures Trading
Trading index futures like the E-mini S&P 500 (ES) or Micro Nasdaq (MNQ) requires intense risk management. Unlike trading stocks where you own the underlying asset, futures are highly leveraged instruments regulated by distinct point and tick values.
The Micro Futures Position Size Calculator automatically translates your stop loss (in points) into a dollar amount, compares it against your account size and maximum risk threshold, and tells you exactly how many contracts you can safely execute.
How to Calculate Futures Risk
Every instrument has a unique multiplier. For example, the E-mini S&P 500 (ES) pays $50 per point. If your stop loss is 10 points wide, a single contract risks $500. If your rule is to never risk more than 1% of a $10,000 account ($100), you cannot trade the ES without breaking your risk parameters. This is why CME introduced Micro contracts (MES), which are 1/10th the size ($5 per point).
Common Point Values:
- MES (Micro S&P 500): $5.00 per point
- MNQ (Micro Nasdaq 100): $2.00 per point
- MYM (Micro Dow Jones): $0.50 per point
- ES (E-mini S&P 500): $50.00 per point
- NQ (E-mini Nasdaq 100): $20.00 per point
How to Use This Tool
- Set Account & Risk: Enter your total trading capital (e.g., $50,000) and the maximum percent you are willing to lose on this single trade (usually 1-2%).
- Select Instrument: Choose which ticker you are trading. The calculator knows the multiplier automatically.
- Enter Entry & Stop Loss: Provide your exact execution price and your hard stop loss.
The calculator will output the maximum number of contracts you can clear. It intentionally rounds down to ensure you never exceed your strict risk budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between a point and a tick?
A point is a standard whole number price movement (e.g., moving from 5000 to 5001). A tick is the smallest possible fraction of a movement. For the S&P 500 (ES/MES), one point is made up of 4 ticks (0.25 each). This calculator uses points as they are universally easier to calculate risk against for retail traders.
Does this include broker commissions?
No, it does not. Commisions vary heavily by broker (NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Amp, etc.) but are usually a few dollars round-trip per contract. The calculator provides the naked trade risk only.
The tools and calculators provided on The Simple Toolbox are intended for educational and informational purposes only. They do not constitute financial, legal, tax, or professional advice. While we strive to keep calculations accurate, numbers are based on user inputs and standard assumptions that may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult with a certified professional (such as a CPA, financial advisor, or attorney) before making significant financial or business decisions.
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