How the margin is calculated
Required margin is the slice of your balance held while a leveraged position is open. It is the position's notional value divided by your leverage: Margin = (Lots × Contract size × Price) ÷ Leverage.
- 01
Pick the instrument
Each carries its standard contract size — 100,000 units for a forex lot, 100 ounces for gold.
- 02
Enter lots and price
The price is prefilled with an indicative level; replace it with the live quote for an exact figure.
- 03
Choose your leverage
From 1:30 up to 1:500 depending on the market and your account.
- 04
Read the margin
Shown in the instrument's quote currency, alongside notional value and pip value.
Margin is shown in the instrument's quote currency. If your account is in a different currency, convert at the current rate. Results are estimates — actual margin depends on the execution price and your account's margin rules.
A worked example
Buying 1 lot of EUR/USD (100,000 euros) at 1.0850 is a position worth $108,500. At 1:500 leverage the margin held is $108,500 ÷ 500 = $217. The same trade at 1:100 would need $1,085. Lower leverage, or a smaller lot size, raises the margin a position consumes.
Frequently asked questions
What is required margin?
The portion of your account balance set aside to keep a leveraged position open. It is returned to your free margin when the position is closed.
Does more leverage mean less margin?
Yes — margin is the position's notional value divided by leverage, so higher leverage lowers the margin a given position needs. It does not reduce the position's risk, which depends on its size.
What currency is the margin in?
The calculator shows margin in the instrument's quote currency. For a USD-quoted pair that is US dollars; convert to your account currency at the current exchange rate if it differs.
Risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. This page is general information, not investment advice. Read the Risk Disclosure.