Qazi Forex TipsAdvanced: contract size, commission, lot step
How to use the calculator
- Choose the pair or Gold.
- Enter your balance and the risk: a % of the balance or a fixed $ amount.
- Enter your entry and stop loss prices, or switch to SL in pips. Add a take profit if you want the risk:reward and the profit.
- Use the lot size shown in your MetaTrader order window.
Pairs like USDJPY, USDCHF and USDCAD need the entry price, because their pip value changes with the price. Crosses like EURJPY need the current USDJPY price.
The formula
Lot size = money at risk ÷ (stop loss in pips × pip value of 1 lot)
- EURUSD: balance $500, risk 2% = $10, stop loss 20 pips. One lot is $10 per pip, so 20 pips cost $200 per lot. Lot = 10 ÷ 200 = 0.05.
- USDJPY at 150.00: balance $2,000, risk 1% = $20, stop loss 30 pips. One lot is 100,000 × 0.01 ÷ 150 = $6.67 per pip, so 30 pips cost $200 per lot. Lot = 20 ÷ 200 = 0.10.
- Gold (XAUUSD): balance $1,000, risk 1% = $10, stop loss $5.00 below the entry. One lot is 100 ounces, so a $5 move costs $500 per lot. Lot = 10 ÷ 500 = 0.02.
The full method, with chart examples, is in the video lesson on lot size.
Gold pips: why traders disagree
Brokers and traders count a Gold pip differently: some say 0.10, some 0.01, some $1. The calculator counts 1 pip = $0.10 of price, which is the most common, but the money it shows does not depend on that choice. The safe habit is to read your stop as dollars of price: a stop from 4,010.00 to 4,005.00 is a $5 stop. Read more in the Gold trading guide.
Mistakes that make the lot size wrong
- Choosing the lot first. The stop loss should come from the chart, and the lot from the stop. Never move the stop to fit a lot you like.
- Forgetting costs. Spread and commission add to the loss. Enter your commission per lot under Advanced.
- Risking on an old balance. After a loss, calculate the 1% on the new balance.
- Several trades at once. Three open trades at 1% each is 3% at risk. Read about a money management plan.
- Wrong contract size. Gold, Silver and cent accounts differ between brokers; check the symbol specification.
Do this inside MT5 or MT4. QFT Trade Assistant sets the lot from your risk while you drag the SL and TP lines on the chart, and places the order. Free 3-day demo.
See the Trade AssistantKhulasa (Roman Urdu / Hindi)
- Pehle tay karein kitne paise risk karne hain: zyada tar 1% (e.g. $1,000 par $10).
- Stop loss pips mein naapein; Gold mein dollars mein (e.g. $5 ka SL).
- Lot = risk $ ÷ (SL pips × pip value per lot). Gold: risk $ ÷ (SL $ × 100).
- Lot hamesha neeche round karein (0.01 steps), taa ke risk plan se zyada na ho.
- Har trade se pehle yahi hisaab — ya MT5/MT4 mein QFT Trade Assistant khud kar deta hai.
Questions
How do I calculate lot size in forex?
Decide the money you will risk (for example 1% of the balance), measure your stop loss in pips, then divide: lot size = risk in $ ÷ (stop loss in pips × pip value per lot). With $10 risk, a 20-pip stop and $10 per pip per lot, the lot size is 10 ÷ 200 = 0.05.
How do I calculate lot size for Gold (XAUUSD)?
Think in dollars of price movement. On most brokers 1 lot of Gold is 100 ounces, so each $1 move is $100 per lot. Lot size = risk in $ ÷ (stop loss in $ × 100). With $10 risk and a $5 stop: 10 ÷ 500 = 0.02 lot.
How much should I risk per trade?
Most professional traders risk 0.5% to 2% of the account on one trade. Beginners do best at 1% or less, so a losing streak does not wipe out the account.
Why is the lot size rounded down?
Brokers accept lots in steps of 0.01. Rounding down keeps the real risk at or below the amount you chose; rounding up would risk more than you planned.
What if the calculator shows a lot below 0.01?
Your stop is too wide for the risk you chose. Use a tighter stop on a lower timeframe, risk a little more if that stays within your plan, or use a cent account where 0.01 lot is much smaller.
Does this work for a cent account?
On a cent account the balance is shown in cents (USC). Enter the balance in dollars (10,000 USC = $100) and open Advanced to set the contract size from your broker's symbol specification, usually 1,000 for forex pairs on cent accounts.
Is the lot size the same with every broker?
Not always. Contract sizes, especially for Gold, Silver and indices, differ between brokers. Check the contract size in MetaTrader (right-click the symbol → Specification) and enter it under Advanced.
Watch the video lessons
Lot size in forex: how to choose the right lot size on every tradeVideo lesson · 33:42
Money management plan: grow a small account step by stepVideo lesson · 18:38
Where to set stop loss and take profit, and when to close halfEducation only, not financial advice. The calculator is a guide: contract sizes, pip definitions, commissions and minimum lots differ between brokers, so check your broker's symbol specification. Trading forex, Gold and CFDs carries a high risk of loss. Read our Risk Disclaimer.