About the Forex Margin Calculator
Find the margin a forex position needs at your leverage, and what's left of your account. Enter the pair, the price, the lot size and leverage; add your equity to see free margin, margin level and the biggest position you could open.
Every common leverage from 1:1 to 1:1000 is available.
How it works
Required margin is the value of the position in your account currency divided by the leverage. One standard lot of EUR/USD at 1.0850 is worth $108,500; at 1:100 the broker holds $1,085 as margin.
Free margin is your equity minus the margin in use, and margin level is equity divided by used margin, as a percentage. Brokers issue a margin call or close positions when the margin level falls to their limit, which differs from broker to broker.
Assumptions and limits
- The position value is converted to your account currency with the price (and the rate you enter for cross pairs).
- Some brokers use tiered margin for large positions; check their terms.
- For planning only, not financial advice.
Worked examples
EUR/USD at 1:100
1 lot at 1.0850 needs $1,085. With $2,000 equity, free margin is $915 and margin level 184.33%.
USD/JPY in a dollar account
1 lot is $100,000 whatever the price; at 1:50 that's $2,000 of margin.
Small account, high leverage
0.1 lot of GBP/USD at 1.27 with 1:500 needs just $25.40, which is why losses can mount quickly.
How to use the Forex Margin Calculator
- Pick the pair and price. And your account currency.
- Set lots and leverage. From 1:1 to 1:1000.
- Read the margin. Add equity for free margin.
Frequently asked questions
How is forex margin calculated?
Margin is the position value divided by the leverage. One lot of EUR/USD at 1.0850 is $108,500, so at 1:100 leverage the broker sets aside $1,085 of your money while the trade is open.
What is margin level?
It's your equity divided by the margin in use, as a percentage. At 100% your equity only just covers the margin; most brokers warn or start closing positions somewhere between 20% and 100%.
Does higher leverage mean higher risk?
Leverage lowers the margin needed but not the size of the price moves. A one-lot position loses the same amount per pip at 1:30 or 1:500; higher leverage just lets you open bigger positions.
Why does USD/JPY margin not change with the price?
In a dollar account, a lot of USD/JPY is always 100,000 dollars, because the base currency is your account currency. Only the leverage changes the margin needed for it.
What leverage can I use?
It depends on where your broker is regulated. Brokers in the EU and UK limit retail clients to 1:30 on major pairs, while some offshore brokers offer 1:500 or more.
This tool runs entirely in your browser. What you enter or upload stays on your device and is never sent to our servers.