Future Contracts Calculator
Use this calculator to determine the number of futures contracts you may wish to purchase based on your account equity and trading plan.
How the future contracts calculator works
It multiplies contract size by price and number of contracts to find the notional value, computes profit or loss from the price change, and shows the margin required and your return on that margin.
Worked example: with contract size (units) of 5,000, price per unit of 7 and number of contracts of 2, the futures contracts calculator shows profit on the move of $5,000.
- Notional value
- $65,000
- Initial margin
- $6,500
- Profit / loss
- $5,000
- Return on margin
- 77%
The formula
Notional = size × price × contracts. Profit/loss = size × price change × contracts. Margin = notional × margin %.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Confirm exact figures with your lender, plan administrator or advisor.
Questions about the future contracts calculator
How does leverage work in futures?
You post a small margin to control a large notional value — often 10–20×. A modest price move produces an outsized gain or loss relative to your margin, magnifying risk.
What is the notional value?
The full market value of the underlying that the contract controls — size times price times the number of contracts — not the cash you actually put up.
Are futures risky?
Very. The leverage that amplifies gains amplifies losses just as much, and you can lose more than your initial margin. They are tools for hedgers and experienced traders.
Is the Future Contracts Calculator free to use?
Yes. Every calculator on FinCalculators is completely free, with no sign-up, login or paywall. You can run as many scenarios as you like.