What is this move worth?
Pick a contract, enter the price move and the number of contracts. Switch between points and ticks to match how your platform shows it.
Futures tick value calculator
Free toolBefore commissions and fees. For education only.
How many contracts fit your risk?
Start from the most you're willing to lose on one trade, then divide by what one contract risks at your stop: contracts = max risk ÷ (stop in ticks × tick value).
Futures position size calculator
Free toolExample values. Doesn't include slippage, commissions, or fees, and isn't a recommendation to trade any size.
Tick values for ES, MES, NQ and MNQ
| Contract | Symbol | Tick size | Value per tick | Value per point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-mini S&P 500 | ES | 0.25 | $12.50 | $50.00 |
| Micro E-mini S&P 500 | MES | 0.25 | $1.25 | $5.00 |
| E-mini Nasdaq-100 | NQ | 0.25 | $5.00 | $20.00 |
| Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 | MNQ | 0.25 | $0.50 | $2.00 |
A trader's plan allows $100 of risk per trade with a 3-point stop on MES. Three points is 12 ticks, and 12 × $1.25 = $15 per contract, so the plan allows 6 contracts ($90 of risk). The same stop on ES risks $150 per contract, which is over the limit, so the plan allows 0 ES contracts.
Tick value questions
What is a tick in futures trading?
A tick is the smallest price move a futures contract can make. For the E-mini S&P 500 (ES), Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES), E-mini Nasdaq-100 (NQ) and Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 (MNQ), one tick is 0.25 index points, so there are four ticks in every point.
How much is one tick worth on ES and MES?
One tick on ES is worth $12.50 per contract ($50 per point). One tick on MES is worth $1.25 per contract ($5 per point), exactly one-tenth of ES.
How much is one tick worth on NQ and MNQ?
One tick on NQ is worth $5.00 per contract ($20 per point). One tick on MNQ is worth $0.50 per contract ($2 per point).
How do you calculate profit or loss on a futures trade?
Multiply the number of ticks the price moved by the tick value and by the number of contracts. For example, 16 ticks × $1.25 × 2 MES contracts = $40, before commissions and fees.
Does the calculator include commissions and fees?
No. Results are gross. Your broker, the exchange and data providers all charge fees that reduce gains and increase losses, so check your own costs.
New to futures? Read Futures Trading 101 for the full beginner's guide, or check futures trading hours and the futures glossary.
