Tick and position size calculator

Two tools for the lesson math, in your browser; nothing you type is sent or saved. Practice numbers for learning, not a trading plan.

1 Pick a contract

Each contract has a fixed dollar value per tick and per point. A tick is the smallest price step, 0.25 points for all four (4 ticks = 1 point); micros (MES, MNQ) are one tenth the size of ES and NQ. Learn it: Runner: Ticks and points, Runner: Micros.

ES E-mini S&P 500$12.50 per tick, $50 per pointNQ E-mini Nasdaq-100$5.00 per tick, $20 per pointMES Micro E-mini S&P 500$1.25 per tick, $5 per pointMNQ Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100$0.50 per tick, $2 per point

2 What is a move worth?

Dollars = points x dollars per point x contracts. The same move in ticks gives the same answer.

Move sizeInContracts

3 How many contracts fit my risk?

Account risk: the most you plan to lose if the stop is hit, set before entry (Local: Risk per trade). Stop distance: entry to stop (Local: Stop placement). Contracts = risk / one contract's risk, always rounded down (Local: Position sizing).

Risk asAccount risk ($)Stop distanceIn

Sources (contract values checked 2026-10-15): CME Group contract specs for E-mini S&P 500 (ES), E-mini Nasdaq-100 (NQ), Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES), and Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 (MNQ). Each page lists the contract unit and the minimum price fluctuation, 0.25 index points.

The calculator leaves out commissions, fees and slippage, which add to what a trade really costs (Order Filler: Commissions and fees). Example numbers only, not a recommendation. Educational content only. Not financial advice. Futures trading involves substantial risk of loss.