Your size, against the scaling table.

What it reads

Three things you type: your program’s scaling table as rows of a balance and the most contracts allowed at that balance, your current balance, and the size you intend to trade. Rows can be in any order. Blank lines are ignored, and a row that is not a balance and a number is skipped and counted.

How it is computed

Allowed size = the highest row at or below your balance

over the limit = intended size − allowed size, and zero when the size fits.

distance to the next row = next row’s balance − your balance

Worked example: the rows $50,000.00 2, $52,500.00 5 and $51,500.00 3 sort to $50,000.00, $51,500.00, $52,500.00. A balance of $51,800.00 is at or above $51,500.00 and below $52,500.00, so the $51,500.00 row applies and allows 3 contracts. An intended size of 4 is over by 4 − 3 = 1. The next row starts at $52,500.00, which is $52,500.00 − $51,800.00 = $700.00 away. In micros at 10 per mini, the same row allows 3 × 10 = 30 micros. A balance under the first row shows n/a, because the table names no size there.

Why that information matters

A size that is over the table can break a program rule even when the trade itself goes fine. Seeing the row, the room in it and the distance to the next row before you place the order keeps the size question settled ahead of time.

What it does not tell you

Whether your program has a scaling table, which balance it reads (some use the balance at the end of the prior session), or how it counts micros. Programs word these rules differently, so read your program’s own, current rules page. It does not know how your trades will go. This is arithmetic, not advice.

How do I read a scaling plan?

Find the highest row at or below your balance. Its number is the most contracts the table allows at that balance. With rows at $50,000.00, $51,500.00 and $52,500.00 and a balance of $51,800.00, the $51,500.00 row applies, so 3 contracts.

Can I check a size in micros against a table in minis?

Yes. Choose micros and type how many micros make one mini. At 10 micros per mini, a row that allows 3 contracts allows 30 micros. It is 10 for MES, MNQ and MGC. Check your own contract and how your program counts micros.

What if my balance is under the first row?

The allowed size shows n/a. The table you typed names no size below its first row, and the checker does not guess one. It still shows how far the first row is.

Does the row follow my balance back down?

In this checker it follows the balance you type, up or down. Programs differ on when a new row takes effect and whether a lower balance moves you back. Read your program’s own, current rules.