Interactive Futures Profit Calculator
Estimate your trade outcome in seconds. Enter your contract details, then click calculate.
What a futures profit calculator actually does
A futures profit calculator converts a price move into dollar profit or loss using the contract’s tick size and tick value. This matters because futures are standardized: each contract has a fixed value per minimum movement.
For example, if a contract moves 10 ticks and each tick is worth $12.50, that is a $125 gross move per contract. From there, you subtract commissions and multiply by your number of contracts.
How to use this calculator
- Choose whether your trade is long or short.
- Enter your entry and exit prices.
- Enter the correct tick size and tick value for your symbol.
- Add your round-turn commission per contract.
- Optionally include initial margin to estimate return on margin.
Profit formula (simple and practical)
Step 1: Find directional price move
Long trade: Exit - Entry
Short trade: Entry - Exit
Step 2: Convert price move to ticks
Ticks moved = Directional move / Tick size
Step 3: Convert ticks to dollars
Gross P/L per contract = Ticks moved × Tick value
Step 4: Subtract costs and scale by size
Net P/L total = (Gross P/L per contract × Contracts) - (Commission per contract × Contracts)
Common futures contracts (quick reference)
| Contract | Typical Symbol | Tick Size | Tick Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-mini S&P 500 | ES | 0.25 | $12.50 | 4 ticks = 1 point = $50 |
| Micro E-mini S&P 500 | MES | 0.25 | $1.25 | Scaled-down ES contract |
| E-mini Nasdaq-100 | NQ | 0.25 | $5.00 | Fast-moving index future |
| Crude Oil | CL | 0.01 | $10.00 | Each 0.01 move = $10 |
| Gold | GC | 0.10 | $10.00 | Each 1.0 move = $100 |
Worked examples
Example 1: Long ES
You buy ES at 5000.00 and sell at 5005.00. Tick size is 0.25 and tick value is $12.50. The move is 5.00 points, which equals 20 ticks. Gross is 20 × $12.50 = $250 per contract. If commission is $4.50 round-turn, net is about $245.50 per contract.
Example 2: Short CL
You short CL at 75.20 and cover at 74.95. For CL, tick size is 0.01 and tick value is $10. Directional move is +0.25, which equals 25 ticks. Gross is $250 per contract. Subtract fees for net P/L.
Risk management notes traders should not skip
- Always know your dollar risk per stop before entering a trade.
- Use contract size that keeps a single loss within your plan.
- Track commissions and slippage—small leaks add up over hundreds of trades.
- Review performance by setup, session, and market condition.
FAQ
Does this calculator include slippage?
Not directly. You can account for slippage by adjusting entry/exit prices or increasing commission/fees.
Why does short position math look reversed?
In short trades, price drops create profit. That’s why directional move for shorts is entry minus exit.
Can I use this for micros?
Yes. Just use the correct micro contract tick value and tick size (for example MES instead of ES).
Bottom line
A futures profit calculator helps you decide if a setup is worth taking before you click buy or sell. Use it to size positions, estimate outcomes, and keep risk disciplined.