Futures tick values
Every futures contract moves in a minimum increment called a tick, with a fixed dollar value per contract.
| Contract | Tick size | Tick value | Micro tick value |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-mini S&P 500 (ES / MES) | 0.25 | $12.50 | $1.25 |
| E-mini Nasdaq-100 (NQ / MNQ) | 0.25 | $5.00 | $0.50 |
| E-mini Dow (YM / MYM) | 1.00 | $5.00 | $0.50 |
| E-mini Russell 2000 (RTY / M2K) | 0.10 | $5.00 | $0.50 |
| Crude Oil (CL / MCL) | 0.01 | $10.00 | $1.00 |
| Gold (GC / MGC) | 0.10 | $10.00 | $1.00 |
Contract specifications are set by the exchange (CME Group). Always confirm on the exchange’s site before trading.
Sizing futures for a prop firm account
Prop firm evaluations have a daily loss limit and a trailing or static drawdown. Work out your risk per trade in dollars first, then divide by (stop in ticks × tick value) to get the number of contracts. If the answer is below one full contract, switch to the micro.
Frequently asked questions
How much is one point on ES?
One full point on ES is four ticks of $12.50, so $50 per contract. On MES it is $5.
How much is one point on NQ?
One point on NQ is $20 per contract (four ticks of $5). On MNQ it is $2.
Calculators are provided for educational purposes. Verify contract specifications with the exchange and your broker. Risk warning: Trading futures involves a high risk of loss. Nothing on this site is investment advice.