Margin and Leverage Calculator

Six-step workflow

1. Copy current values from the official account, platform, or journal.
2. Keep every unit consistent; do not mix ticks, points, pips, dollars, or percentages.
3. Enter the planning assumptions without changing them to force a preferred answer.
4. Calculate and read every output, including the warning below the headline number.
5. Verify instrument specifications and binding firm rules at the official source.
6. Save the result with its date and compare it with what actually happened.

Understand the output

Formula: Notional exposure = price × quantity × multiplier. Required margin = notional ÷ allowed leverage.

Worked example: Two contracts at 5,000 with a $50 multiplier represent $500,000 notional. At 20:1 leverage, estimated margin is $25,000.

Common mistakes: treating margin as risk, using the wrong multiplier, ignoring tiered margin, and using maximum leverage as a target.