Position Size Calculator
Calculate the unit size implied by your chosen risk amount and entry-to-stop distance.
Your position
This is the percentage you selected for the scenario, not a recommended risk limit.
Free, no sign-up, nothing leaves your browser — all math runs locally.
Informational scenario only, not investment or risk advice. Outputs depend on your inputs and may not reflect fees, slippage, gaps, taxes, or provider-specific rules.
How to calculate position size
Position sizing estimates how many units correspond to a risk amount and a planned distance between entry and stop. The basic scenario calculation is:
So on a $25,000.00 account risking 1% with a $2.00 gap between entry and stop, the calculation returns 125 units. Widen your stop and the position shrinks; tighten it and the position grows while the selected dollar risk stays fixed. Actual loss can differ because of gaps, slippage, fees, liquidity, leverage, and execution.
Reviewing a fixed-fraction scenario
A fixed-fraction input scales the calculated dollar amount with account balance. That makes it useful for comparing scenarios consistently, but TradeInsights does not choose the fraction or determine whether a trade, stop, position, or leverage level is suitable for you.
Use the result as an informational scenario and compare it with your own plan and actual fills. TradeInsights can track imported position sizes over time so you can review whether execution matched the limits you recorded.
Frequently asked questions
How does a position size calculator work?
It divides the selected dollar-risk scenario (account balance × chosen percentage) by the entry-to-stop distance. The result is a mathematical unit size, not a guarantee of maximum loss or a recommendation to place the trade.
How much should I risk per trade?
There is no universal percentage that is suitable for every person, instrument, account, or strategy. Choose the input based on your own circumstances and plan, and consult a qualified professional if you need individualized guidance.
Does this work for forex and crypto, not just stocks?
Yes. The entry-minus-stop method is universal — it sizes in 'units,' which are shares for stocks, coins for crypto, or base units for forex. For forex lots, divide the unit result by your contract size (e.g. 100,000 for a standard lot).
What is 'implied leverage' in the results?
It's the calculated position value divided by account balance. A 5× result means the scenario controls five times the account value; it does not indicate that the leverage is available, appropriate, or permitted by a broker.
Is anything saved or sent anywhere?
No. The entire calculation runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded, stored, or logged. Create a free TradeInsights account only if you want your real trades' position sizing tracked automatically over time.
More free tools & resources
Compare planned size with imported execution
TradeInsights records available position-size and outcome data so you can review whether activity matched the limits you set.
The free diagnostic stores up to 30 trades and builds First Value from qualifying imported history.