This calculator shows the minimum deposit (margin) your broker locks to open a position. For Australia traders: results display in AUD automatically, no manual conversion.
How it works
Margin is the collateral your broker holds while a trade is open. It's not a fee — it's returned when you close the position. Higher leverage means lower margin per lot, but does not reduce your risk per pip.
Formula:
Required margin = (lot size × contract size × price) / leverage
The contract size for standard forex is 100,000 units of the base currency. Leverage is expressed as a ratio (e.g., 30 for 1:30). When your account currency differs from the base currency, the margin amount is converted at the current exchange rate.
Worked example
Example: EUR/AUD
- Pair: EUR/AUD
- Lot size: 1.0 (standard lot)
- Price: 1.6500
- Leverage: 1:30
We multiply 1.0 × 100,000 × 1.6500 = AUD 165,000 (position value). Divide by 30 (leverage) = AUD 5,500.
Result: AUD 5,500 required margin per standard lot
This AUD 5,500 is locked in your account while the trade remains open. It's not a cost — it's collateral.
Edge cases
- JPY pairs: Use 0.01 pip-step convention. Formula still works — just enter the price as displayed (e.g., 142.50 for USD/JPY).
- Non-AUD account: If your account is in USD or EUR, the result converts at the broker's rate. This calculator shows AUD directly.
- Mini/micro lots: Scale linearly. 0.1 lot = 1/10th margin (AUD 550). 0.01 lot = 1/100th (AUD 55).
Glossary
- Leverage — the ratio of position size to margin required (e.g., 1:30 means AUD 1 controls AUD 30)
- Margin — the collateral amount locked by your broker to keep a position open
- Free Margin — the remaining balance in your account available to open new positions
FAQ
How accurate is this Margin Calculator?
Mathematically exact. The only variable is the live price — this calculator uses the rate you enter. If you use a stale price, margin may differ from your broker's current quote.
Does it work for any broker?
Yes. The margin formula is universal across brokers. All brokers use the same calculation: (lots × contract size × price) / leverage.
What if my pair isn't in the dropdown?
Enter the price manually. The calculator works with any currency pair, index, or commodity — just type the current price.
Why does the result differ from my broker's panel?
Brokers may add a small spread to the margin rate or apply different rounding. Some brokers also charge commission separately, which does not affect margin.
No broker yet?
If you don't have a broker yet and want to test these calculations on a demo, FxPro accepts Australia residents. We are FxPro affiliates — see disclosure.
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