Translate a stop distance into estimated dollar exposure before placing a trade. Compare E-mini and Micro contracts for Nasdaq, S&P 500, Dow, Russell 2000, Gold, and WTI Crude Oil futures.
Planning estimate: This calculator models price risk, a slippage allowance, and estimated round-turn costs. It cannot predict fills, gaps, commissions, or losses.
Build the risk estimate
Choose the exact contract, define a maximum risk budget, and enter the distance from entry to stop.
Minimum tick0.25 points
Tick value$0.50
Point value$2.00
How to use the calculator
Start with the trade’s logical invalidation point. Do not move the stop simply to make a larger position fit.
Select the exact contract.Micro contracts generally reduce dollar exposure per tick, but they still carry leverage and execution risk.
Set a risk budget.Use a percentage of account size or enter a fixed dollar maximum. The fixed amount takes priority when both are present.
Measure entry to invalidation.Enter that distance in points/price units or ticks. The calculator converts it using the contract’s minimum tick.
Add realistic friction.Use your broker’s round-turn commission and fee estimate, plus a conservative slippage allowance.
Review the whole-contract result.If zero contracts fit, the plan exceeds the selected risk budget. Skipping the trade is a valid result.
Contract values used in this tool
These planning values are based on CME Group contract specifications. Contract terms can change; verify current specifications before trading.
Market
E-mini / standard
Micro
Minimum tick
Tick value
Nasdaq-100
NQ
MNQ
0.25 index points
$5.00 / $0.50
S&P 500
ES
MES
0.25 index points
$12.50 / $1.25
Dow
YM
MYM
1 index point
$5.00 / $0.50
Russell 2000
RTY
M2K
0.10 index points
$5.00 / $0.50
Gold
GC
MGC
$0.10 per ounce
$10.00 / $1.00
WTI Crude Oil
CL
MCL
$0.01 per barrel
$10.00 / $1.00
Futures risk calculator FAQs
Why did you include RTY and M2K?
The Russell 2000 pair adds a widely followed U.S. small-cap equity-index market. RTY and M2K also use a 0.10-point tick, so a dedicated specification prevents incorrect calculations.
Should I enter points or ticks?
Use whichever unit matches your charting workflow. For points, enter the price difference between entry and stop. For ticks, enter the number of minimum price increments directly.
Does the result guarantee my maximum loss?
No. It is a planning estimate. A stop order can fill worse than its trigger price, and commissions, fees, gaps, volatility, and execution conditions can increase losses.
Why does the fixed dollar limit override the percentage?
A specific dollar amount is treated as the user’s explicit limit. Clear that field if you want the calculator to use account size multiplied by the chosen percentage.
Can I use this for options or stocks?
No. The contract data and formulas on this page are specifically designed for the listed futures contracts.
Risk disclosure: Futures and options trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for every investor. The information and calculator on this page are educational only and are not personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Examples are hypothetical. Results are estimates and do not account for every fee, market condition, or execution outcome. You can lose more than the amount planned for a trade. Verify contract specifications and costs independently.