Lot (ล็อต)
A lot is the standard unit of trade size in forex. A standard lot is 100,000 units of the base currency, a mini lot is 10,000 and a micro lot is 1,000.
A lot is a fixed package of currency that you buy or sell in one trade. It sets your trade size, and trade size decides how much money each price move makes or loses.
Common lot sizes in forex
- Standard lot = 100,000 units of the base currency (shown as 1.00 on most platforms)
- Mini lot = 10,000 units (0.10)
- Micro lot = 1,000 units (0.01)
Example
In EURUSD, one Pip is 0.0001. For a pair where USD is the second currency, the value of 1 Pip is:
- 1.00 lot: 100,000 × 0.0001 = $10 per Pip
- 0.10 lot: 10,000 × 0.0001 = $1 per Pip
- 0.01 lot: 1,000 × 0.0001 = $0.10 per Pip
If the price moves 20 Pips against you, a 1.00 lot trade loses $200, while a 0.01 lot trade loses $2.
Things to know
Contract size can differ by instrument. Gold and stocks may use different lot definitions depending on the platform or exchange, so always check the contract specifications before you trade.
Common beginner mistake
Many beginners choose a lot size that is too big for their account, so a small price move causes a large loss. Choose your lot size together with your Stop Loss and the amount you are willing to risk on one trade. Practising with micro lots first is a common way to learn.