Fixed-Dollar Risk Calculator

How to use this tool

1. Set the absolute dollar amount you are prepared to lose.
2. Enter the technically determined stop distance.
3. Enter the correct dollar value per movement unit and quantity.
4. Enter the platform’s minimum size increment.
5. Include estimated round-turn costs when known.
6. Use the rounded-down quantity and verify it on the platform.

See the calculation in context

With $250 total risk, a 25-pip stop and $10 per pip per standard lot, raw size is 1.00 lot before fees. If fees are included, size is reduced so estimated total loss stays within $250.

Calculation method

Price-risk allowance = fixed dollar risk − estimated fees. Raw quantity = price-risk allowance ÷ (stop distance × unit value). Quantity is rounded down to the allowed increment.

Common mistakes

1. Rounding quantity upward
2. Leaving fees outside the dollar cap
3. Using the wrong tick or pip value
4. Changing the stop to use every dollar of the allowance
5. Assuming the stop guarantees the exact maximum loss

Questions and answers