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Futures calculator
Profit = (exit − entry) × size for a long and the reverse for a short; margin = position value ÷ leverage; an isolated long is liquidated near entry × (1 − 1/leverage + maintenance margin). A 0.1 BTC long at $80,000 with 10× uses $800 margin, makes $200 at $82,000 (+25% on margin) and is liquidated near $72,400.
The formulas
- Position value = size × entry. 0.1 × $80,000 = $8,000.
- Initial margin = position value ÷ leverage. $8,000 ÷ 10 = $800.
- Profit = (exit − entry) × size for a long, (entry − exit) × size for a short, minus fees.
- Return on margin = profit ÷ initial margin.
- Liquidation price (isolated margin, estimate): long = entry × (1 − 1/leverage + maintenance margin); short = entry × (1 + 1/leverage − maintenance margin). Venues add their own fees, funding and tiers, so treat it as an estimate.
Worked examples (0.1 BTC, maintenance margin 0.5%, before fees)
| Side | Leverage | Entry | Exit | Margin | Profit | On margin | Est. liquidation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long | 10x | 80,000 | 82,000 | $800 | $200 | 25.0% | 72,400 |
| Short | 5x | 80,000 | 78,000 | $1,600 | $200 | 12.5% | 95,600 |
| Long | 25x | 80,000 | 79,000 | $320 | $-100 | -31.2% | 77,200 |
Common questions
How is futures profit calculated?
For a long, (exit price - entry price) x position size; for a short, the reverse. Fees for entering and exiting are subtracted. Leverage does not change the dollar profit, only the margin you post.
How is the liquidation price calculated?
For isolated margin, a long is liquidated near entry x (1 - 1/leverage + maintenance margin) and a short near entry x (1 + 1/leverage - maintenance margin). Venues differ, so it is an estimate.
What is return on margin?
Profit divided by the margin you posted. At 10x leverage, a 2.5% move in your favor is about +25% on margin, and a 2.5% move against you is about -25%.
Does funding affect the result?
Yes, on perpetual futures you pay or receive funding while the position is open. The calculator leaves it out because it changes every few hours.
Link to this calculator
Free to link from your site, course or guide:
<a href="https://swiftedge.uk/futures-calculator">Futures calculator by Swiftedge</a>