Gold & Nasdaq Futures Calculator
Explore standard and micro gold and Nasdaq futures contract exposure using exchange contract multipliers.
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How this tool works
Explore standard and micro gold and Nasdaq futures contract exposure using exchange contract multipliers. Inputs should represent your own assumptions, current instrument specifications and account denomination; no automatic market-data feed is used unless the page explicitly states otherwise.
Profit or loss = price change × contract multiplier × contracts; risk per contract = stop distance × contract multiplier.
Worked example
One Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 (MNQ) contract is $2 per index point; a 25-point price move equals $50 before costs.
What to check before relying on a result
Check the direction of the trade, units and currency, market contract specifications, realistic spreads and slippage, execution conditions, any applicable taxes and fees, and whether the assumed model fits your instrument. A calculator does not eliminate market risk.
Frequently asked questions
Are futures margins shown live?
No. Margin requirements are broker- and exchange-dependent; you can enter your current margin-per-contract estimate.
Where can I verify futures specifications?
Check the current CME Group contract specification pages before placing any order.
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Futures profit and loss depends on the price move, exchange-defined contract multiplier and number of contracts. Standard and micro contracts can provide very different exposures even when their screen prices look identical. The calculator uses GC, MGC, NQ and MNQ presets with user-controlled entry, stop and margin assumptions; live quotes and current broker margin rules are not supplied.
How to use this calculator correctly
- Step 1. Choose a CME contract code and verify the exchange's current multiplier and minimum tick.
- Step 2. Enter an entry and stop in the correct quotation units, such as index points or dollars per troy ounce.
- Step 3. Choose a whole number of contracts and inspect risk, tick value and notional exposure.
- Step 4. Enter current broker margin only for comparison; margin is collateral, not a maximum-loss amount.
Worked comparisons
These are illustrative arithmetic examples, not forecasts or market quotations. They show how changing assumptions affects the calculation.
| Contract code | Unit or multiplier | Minimum tick | Dollar value per tick |
|---|---|---|---|
| GC – Gold | 100 troy ounces | $0.10 / oz | $10 |
| MGC – Micro Gold | 10 troy ounces | $0.10 / oz | $1 |
| NQ – E-mini Nasdaq-100 | $20 / index point | 0.25 index point | $5 |
| MNQ – Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 | $2 / index point | 0.25 index point | $0.50 |
How to interpret the results
For example, an MNQ position with a 25-point stop implies $50 of price-distance risk per contract before fees or slippage. The same stop on NQ implies $500. Standard Gold (GC) has 100 troy ounces of exposure per one-dollar gold price move, whereas Micro Gold (MGC) has 10. Futures may be subject to daily settlement, intraday margin changes, exchange rule changes and delivery or expiration procedures. These factors are not represented by the price-distance estimate.
Common mistakes and limitations
- Exchange product definitions can change; verify contract terms and the precise active instrument before entering an order.
- A small margin requirement does not reduce the notional amount exposed to price movements.
- Tick value, point value, margin and stop-loss risk are four different numbers; do not use them interchangeably.
Further questions
What is the difference between NQ and MNQ?
MNQ is one tenth the dollar multiplier of NQ: $2 versus $20 per Nasdaq-100 index point.
Is gold MGC equivalent to spot XAU/USD?
No. MGC is an exchange-listed futures contract with a specified unit, expiry and settlement process; a broker's spot or CFD product may differ.
Does the calculator fetch current margins?
No. Broker and exchange margins are time-sensitive, so the margin value is deliberately user supplied.
Related Traders MBA learning and references
Read the relevant educational analysis, tools and primary-source specifications:
- Gold futures contract specifications — CME Group
- Nasdaq futures product comparison — CME Group
- Trading costs calculator
Figures are illustrative and depend on input assumptions. This material provides general education, not financial advice, trading signals or a forecast. Verify instruments, exchange or broker terms and execution costs before relying on a calculation.