Lot size calculator (ZAR & USD)

Enter your balance, the % you are willing to lose and your stop. Get the lot size that keeps the loss at your stop inside that risk.

How it works

  1. Your risk in money is your balance × your risk %. R10,000 at 1% is R100.
  2. The pip value is what a 1-pip move is worth on 1.0 lot, converted into your account currency with live exchange rates.
  3. The loss per lot at your stop is the stop distance × the pip value.
  4. Lot size = your risk ÷ the loss per lot, rounded DOWN to 0.01 lots so the loss at the stop never exceeds your risk.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate lot size in forex?

Divide the money you are willing to lose by (stop loss in pips × pip value per lot). With R20,000, 1% risk (R200), a 25-pip stop on EUR/USD and a pip value of R180 per lot (at R18 to the dollar), that is 200 ÷ (25 × 180) ≈ 0.04 lots.

What lot size should I use for a R1,000 or R5,000 account?

It depends on your stop, not just your balance. Many traders risk 0.5–1% per trade. On a small account the result is often below the 0.01 minimum lot, which means the stop is too wide for that risk: the calculator warns you when that happens.

How do I calculate lot size for gold (XAUUSD)?

On most brokers 1 lot of gold is 100 ounces, so a $1 move is $100 per lot and one pip ($0.10) is $10 per lot. Enter your stop in pips (or switch to points) and the calculator converts it into rand.

Why is my broker's number slightly different?

Brokers use different contract sizes for indices and metals, and convert currencies at their own rate. You can change the contract size in the calculator to match your broker's contract specification.

Does the calculator include spread and commission?

No. It sizes the position for the loss at your stop. Use the spread and swap cost calculator to see what spread, commission and overnight swaps add.

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