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NQ position size calculator
1 NQ tick = 0.25 points = $5.00. Type your stop and risk to see how many NQ or MNQ contracts to trade.
NQ contract specs
| Contract | E-mini Nasdaq-100 (NQ) |
|---|---|
| Tick size | 0.25 points |
| Tick value | $5.00 per contract |
| 1 full point (1.00) | $20.00 |
| Micro version | MNQ (1/10 the size, $0.50 per tick) |
Tick sizes and values follow the exchange contract specs. Check your broker before trading, since fees and margins vary.
NQ and MNQ 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 NQ | 1 MNQ | Size for ~$250 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 ticks (3.75 pts) | $75.00 | $7.50 | 33 MNQ ($247.50) |
| 30 ticks (7.5 pts) | $150.00 | $15.00 | 17 MNQ ($255.00) |
| 60 ticks (15 pts) | $300.00 | $30.00 | 8 MNQ ($240.00) |
| 90 ticks (22.5 pts) | $450.00 | $45.00 | 6 MNQ ($270.00) |
| 120 ticks (30 pts) | $600.00 | $60.00 | 4 MNQ ($240.00) |
| 180 ticks (45 pts) | $900.00 | $90.00 | 3 MNQ ($270.00) |
How to calculate NQ position size
- Pick your stop: 60 ticks is 15 points.
- Risk per contract = ticks × tick value = 60 × $5.00 = $300.00.
- 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 NQ?
One NQ tick is 0.25 points and is worth $5.00 per contract. A full 1.00-point move is worth $20.00.
How many NQ contracts should I trade?
Divide the dollars you are willing to lose by the risk of one contract. With a 60-tick stop, one NQ risks $300.00. For a $500 risk and a 120-tick stop, the calculator suggests 8 MNQ ($480.00).
What is the micro version of NQ?
MNQ (Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100) is the micro contract. It is 1/10 the size of NQ: 10 MNQ move the same dollars as 1 NQ. One MNQ tick is worth $0.50.
Should I trade NQ or MNQ?
Use NQ when its size lands inside your risk range, because one standard contract usually costs less in commissions than 10 micros. Use MNQ when a single NQ 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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