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QuantSchool: Risk per trade and how to calculate it


Understanding Risk per Trade

Risk per trade refers to the maximum amount of capital you're willing to lose on a single trade, expressed as either a dollar amount or percentage of your total account.

The 1% Rule

  • Standard practice: Risk only 1-2% of total capital per trade
  • $10,000 account = $100-$200 risk per trade
  • Protects against string of losses

Simple Calculation Method

Formula

Position Size = (Account Risk) / (Entry Price - Stop Loss Price)

Example

  1. Account: $20,000
  2. Risk per trade (1%): $200
  3. Stock price: $50
  4. Stop loss: $45
  5. Calculation: $200 / ($50 - $45) = 40 shares

Key Components

Component Description
Account Size Total trading capital
Risk Percentage 1-2% recommended
Entry Price Purchase price
Stop Loss Exit price if trade moves against you

Practical Tips

  • Always set stop losses before entering trades
  • Adjust position size when volatility increases
  • Reduce risk percentage during uncertain markets
  • Use trading calculators to automate the math

Common Mistakes

  • Risking more than 2% per trade
  • Moving stop losses further away
  • Not accounting for trading fees
  • Ignoring overnight/weekend risk

Proper risk calculation protects your capital and keeps you in the game. By consistently applying the 1% rule and precise position sizing, you ensure no single trade can significantly damage your account.