Futures Margin Calculator

Calculate futures margin requirements instantly. Determine notional value, margin required, and leverage for your futures contracts.

$
%

Quick Facts

E-mini S&P 500
$50 per point
Most popular index future
Micro E-mini
$5 per point
1/10th the size of E-mini
Crude Oil (CL)
1,000 barrels
Standard contract size
Gold (GC)
100 troy ounces
COMEX gold futures

Your Results

Calculated
Notional Value
$0
Total contract value
Margin Required
$0
Capital needed
Leverage
0x
Effective leverage

About Futures Margin Calculator

Calculate futures margin requirements with our free online calculator. Understanding margin is essential for futures trading as it determines the capital required to open and maintain positions.

How Futures Margin Works

Futures margin is a good-faith deposit required to control a futures contract. Unlike stock margin, which is a loan, futures margin is a performance bond ensuring you can cover potential losses. There are two types:

  • Initial Margin: The amount required to open a new position
  • Maintenance Margin: The minimum balance required to keep a position open
Notional Value = Contracts x Contract Size x Price

Margin Required = Notional Value x (Margin Rate / 100)

Leverage = 100 / Margin Rate
Contracts = Number of futures contracts
Contract Size = Multiplier for the underlying asset
Price = Current market price
Margin Rate = Required margin percentage

Common Futures Contract Sizes

  • E-mini S&P 500 (ES): $50 x S&P 500 Index
  • Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES): $5 x S&P 500 Index
  • Crude Oil (CL): 1,000 barrels
  • Gold (GC): 100 troy ounces
  • E-mini Nasdaq (NQ): $20 x Nasdaq-100 Index

Why Understanding Margin Matters

Proper margin management is crucial for futures traders. With leverage of 10x or more, small price movements can result in significant profits or losses. Always ensure you have sufficient capital beyond the minimum margin requirement to handle market volatility.