How is this calculated?

Each checked statement adds one point, for a possible 8 points. A higher score indicates the position is better prepared for an overnight hold, based on your own answers, not a prediction of what the market will do.

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Should I hold this futures position overnight, or is it only sized for day-trading margin?

Q: Should I hold this futures position overnight, or is it only sized for day-trading margin?

A checklist that scores 8 statements about margin, risk, and planning to indicate whether a futures position is actually sized and prepared to be held overnight, or only fits day-trading margin.

Most traders blow up chasing the setup they missed, not the one in front of them.

Jason Parker, Founder of Trading Habits

Check What's True Right Now

Check every statement that's true for this specific position, before the close.

I know my broker's exact overnight margin requirement for this contract, not just the day-trading margin.
My account equity comfortably covers the overnight margin for my current contract count, with room left over.
I have checked whether my contract count would trigger a margin call or forced liquidation if held past the close.
I have a specific reason to hold this position overnight, not just inertia or hope.
I know what significant news or scheduled data is due before the next session opens.
I have a plan for what happens if the position moves sharply against me before the next session opens, beyond my planned stop distance.
I would still be within my normal risk-per-trade limit even accounting for the wider overnight risk.
If I'm not sure my account supports the overnight margin, I have already reduced my contract count before the close.

Your Result

Check the statements that apply and click Check to see whether this hold is sized correctly.

How this is calculated

This checklist does not evaluate your market thesis. It checks whether your account is actually structured to hold this position past the close, not just whether you want to.
Overnight margin requirements are typically much higher than day-trading margin. A position sized comfortably for intraday trading can be oversized for an overnight hold.
Use the overnight margin calculator above to get the exact contract count your equity supports before you decide.
If several items are unchecked, closing the position or trimming it before the close is a legitimate outcome of this checklist, not a failure.

Risk & liability disclaimer: This calculator produces a mathematical estimate based on the numbers you enter. It is not financial advice and does not guarantee any trading outcome. Trading involves risk of loss, and past position sizing decisions do not predict future results. Trading Habits is not a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, or tax professional, and is not affiliated with any broker, exchange, or data provider. We do not guarantee this tool is error-free or suitable for your situation - always verify results independently and consult a licensed professional before making any trading or financial decision. You could lose some or all of the capital you trade with.

Should I hold this futures position overnight, or is it only sized for day-trading margin?

Check What's True Right Now

Your Result

How this is calculated

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