Why would I need more account size than my broker's minimum margin requirement?

Your broker's minimum margin requirement is the smallest account that keeps the position open at all. Using an account only just above that minimum leaves almost no buffer before a margin call on a normal price move. A lower personal target usage percentage builds in that buffer.

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What's the minimum account size I need to trade this lot size without over-leveraging my account?

Q: What's the minimum account size I need to trade this lot size without over-leveraging my account?

Enter your lot size, broker leverage, and a target percentage of your account you're willing to use as margin for this one trade. The calculator shows the broker's bare minimum margin requirement and the larger account size needed to keep the trade within your own target.

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Enter Your Position

This goes beyond your broker's bare margin requirement to a personal, responsible usage target you set yourself.

Your Result

Fill in the fields on the left and click Calculate to see your minimum account size.

How this is calculated

Notional position size equals lot size times 100,000 units, converted to USD using the exchange rate you enter.
Broker margin required equals notional position size divided by your broker's leverage. This is the bare minimum your broker requires to open the position.
Minimum account size equals margin required divided by your own target usage percentage. Choosing a smaller target percentage, meaning you want this one trade to use less of your account, raises the account size this tool recommends.
Margin requirements vary by broker and by currency pair, and cross pairs require conversion at the current exchange rate. This is a simplified, USD-based estimate.

Risk & liability disclaimer: This calculator performs simple arithmetic on the numbers you enter and does not pull live exchange rates or your actual broker's margin schedule. Actual margin requirements vary by broker, account type, and currency pair. This is not financial advice. Trading Habits is not a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, or tax professional, and is not affiliated with any broker, exchange, or data provider. Forex trading involves substantial risk of loss, and leveraged trading can amplify losses beyond your initial margin in some account types.

What's the minimum account size I need to trade this lot size without over-leveraging my account?

Enter Your Position

Your Result

How this is calculated

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