Margin & Leverage Calculator
A futures contract controls far more than the margin you post. See how much, and what a move against you would cost.
Leverage on margin
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- Notional value
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- Leverage vs. whole account
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- Dollar value of a 1% move
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- Move that equals your margin
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- Move that equals your account
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Enter your broker's current margin to see leverage on margin. Exposure figures use the full notional value.
Margin is a deposit, not a price
Futures margin is a good-faith deposit, not a down payment. Your account is marked to market every day, and if losses push it below the maintenance level, your broker can demand more money or close your position. Read Margin and leverage explained for the full picture.
Common questions
Where do I find the current margin?
Exchanges publish margin requirements, and brokers often set their own, sometimes higher (especially for day-trading margins). Margins change with volatility, so check your broker before each trade.
What is notional value?
The full market value the contract controls: price × contract multiplier. One E-mini S&P 500 at 6,000 controls $300,000 of index exposure.
Why does leverage matter so much?
With 15:1 leverage, a move of about 6.7% against you equals your entire margin. Leverage magnifies both gains and losses.