How do I determine the margin blocked for futures trading?
The margin blocked for futures trading depends on the specific futures contract. Each contract has different price levels and lot sizes, which influence the margin required.
Steps to check the margin
To know the exact margin blocked for a particular futures contract:
- Visit our Margin Calculator.
- Select the relevant futures contract.
- View the margin blocked based on current exchange rules.
Reasons margins vary
- Price volatility: Contracts with more price movement generally require higher margins.
- Lot size: Larger lot sizes lead to higher margin requirements.
- Market conditions: Exchange updates and risk frameworks may lead to periodic changes in margin requirements.
What if...
| Scenario | Resolution |
|---|
| Not sure how much margin is blocked | Use the margin calculator to check live margin values for your contract. |
| Margin looks unusually high | The futures contract may have a large lot size or be subject to higher volatility; double-check the margin on the calculator. |
Last updated: 27 Jun 2025
Related Articles
Why does my available funds change even though the required margin is blocked?
When you place trades in derivatives (Options or Futures), use intraday leverage, or access Margin Trading Facility (MTF), the required margin is blocked up front. However, your available funds may still fluctuate during the trading day, especially ...
How does futures trading work?
Futures trading allows investors to take positions on the future price movement of an asset without paying the full contract value upfront. Instead, you pay a margin—typically a small percentage of the contract’s value—which gives you leveraged ...
Can futures contract margin requirements vary?
Yes, margin requirements for futures contracts are not fixed and can change over time. These variations are typically based on changes in market volatility, liquidity, and regulatory updates. Reasons margin requirements change Volatility: Higher ...
How to determine the margin for hedge positions?
When trading hedge positions, understanding margin requirements is key to managing capital and avoiding order rejections. A hedge strategy typically involves taking offsetting positions—such as buying one option and selling another—to reduce overall ...
What is a futures contract?
A futures contract is a legally binding agreement to buy or sell an underlying asset, such as stocks, indices, currencies, or commodities, at a predetermined price on a future date. These contracts are standardised and traded on exchanges, which also ...