Initial margin is the amount generally required to establish or carry a position; maintenance margin is the lower ongoing threshold below which additional funds or liquidation may result.
| Initial | Entry/carry requirement |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Ongoing minimum |
| Broker overlay | May be stricter |
How it works
Mark-to-market losses reduce account equity and may cause equity to fall below maintenance.
- Define the contract and expiration month
- Convert the price move into points and ticks
- Multiply by the contract's verified point or tick value
- Account for fees, liquidity, and risk limits
Worked example
Requirements can change. A two-contract position moving 10 ticks changes by 20 total contract-ticks. The dollar result equals those contract-ticks multiplied by the product's tick value.
Risk and common mistakes
A prop evaluation's buying power is not necessarily exchange margin and follows its own risk model.
- Confusing margin with maximum possible loss
- Using the wrong micro or E-mini multiplier
- Ignoring expiration, maintenance breaks, or economic events
- Sizing from desired profit instead of predefined risk
Use the related calculator
Model the contract values and risk with your own inputs before planning a simulated trade.
Open calculator →Frequently asked questions
What is the most important point about initial vs. maintenance margin?+
Initial margin is the amount generally required to establish or carry a position; maintenance margin is the lower ongoing threshold below which additional funds or liquidation may result.
Is this information personalized financial advice?+
No. ORIVECT Education provides general educational information. Contract selection, leverage, and risk decisions require your own judgment and current official documentation.
Where can I verify the current contract specification?+
Use the official exchange source linked from the relevant ORIVECT market reference page. Trading hours, margin, and holiday schedules can change.