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ES position size calculator
1 ES tick = 0.25 points = $12.50. Type your stop and risk to see how many ES or MES contracts to trade.
ES contract specs
| Contract | E-mini S&P 500 (ES) |
|---|---|
| Tick size | 0.25 points |
| Tick value | $12.50 per contract |
| 1 full point (1.00) | $50.00 |
| Micro version | MES (1/10 the size, $1.25 per tick) |
Tick sizes and values follow the exchange contract specs. Check your broker before trading, since fees and margins vary.
ES and MES stop size cheat sheet
Risk per contract for common stops, and the size closest to $250 of risk (standard contract preferred when it fits).
| Stop | 1 ES | 1 MES | Size for ~$250 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ticks (1 pts) | $50.00 | $5.00 | 5 ES ($250.00) |
| 8 ticks (2 pts) | $100.00 | $10.00 | 25 MES ($250.00) |
| 16 ticks (4 pts) | $200.00 | $20.00 | 13 MES ($260.00) |
| 24 ticks (6 pts) | $300.00 | $30.00 | 8 MES ($240.00) |
| 32 ticks (8 pts) | $400.00 | $40.00 | 6 MES ($240.00) |
| 48 ticks (12 pts) | $600.00 | $60.00 | 4 MES ($240.00) |
How to calculate ES position size
- Pick your stop: 16 ticks is 4 points.
- Risk per contract = ticks × tick value = 16 × $12.50 = $200.00.
- Contracts = your risk ÷ risk per contract, rounded to a whole number that stays inside your range.
Entering prices instead? The stop distance is entry minus stop, divided by the tick size (0.25) to get ticks. See the full guide: how to calculate futures position size.
Questions
What is the tick value of ES?
One ES tick is 0.25 points and is worth $12.50 per contract. A full 1.00-point move is worth $50.00.
How many ES contracts should I trade?
Divide the dollars you are willing to lose by the risk of one contract. With a 16-tick stop, one ES risks $200.00. For a $500 risk and a 32-tick stop, the calculator suggests 13 MES ($520.00).
What is the micro version of ES?
MES (Micro E-mini S&P 500) is the micro contract. It is 1/10 the size of ES: 10 MES move the same dollars as 1 ES. One MES tick is worth $1.25.
Should I trade ES or MES?
Use ES when its size lands inside your risk range, because one standard contract usually costs less in commissions than 10 micros. Use MES when a single ES would risk more than your maximum, or when you need finer steps. The calculator marks the best fit as “Best pick”.
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