Commodity Futures Margin Calculator

Look up approximate CME Group margin requirements for popular commodity futures. Margins change frequently — verify with your broker. For illustrative purposes only.

Commodity Contract

Number of Contracts

150

Contract Specs

Contract Size100 troy oz

Point Value$100

Tick Size0.1

Tick Value$10

Margin Requirements

Initial Margin

$11,000

Maintenance Margin

$10,000

Disclaimer

This calculator is for educational and illustrative purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or tax advice. Results are estimates based on the inputs you provide and may not reflect actual returns. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Turn The Numbers Into a Plan

Use these calculators to model outcomes, then see how Shares Saver helps you build direct ownership of Nigerian stocks through a regulated, long-term investing process.

Explore the Investment App Learn About Direct Ownership

Frequently Asked Questions

Commodity futures margins are set by the exchange (primarily CME Group) based on the volatility and risk of each contract. The exchange periodically adjusts margins — higher volatility leads to higher margin requirements. Brokers may impose additional margin above exchange minimums.

Margins change when the exchange reassesses the risk of a contract. Increased price volatility, approaching contract expiration, or unusual market conditions can all trigger margin increases. Margins can also decrease during periods of lower volatility.

Gold futures (GC) on COMEX/CME typically require an initial margin of approximately $11,000 per contract (100 troy ounces). Micro gold (MGC) requires roughly 1/10th of that. These figures change periodically based on market conditions.

Micro commodity futures are smaller-sized contracts that require proportionally less margin. For example, Micro Gold (MGC) represents 10 troy ounces vs. 100 for the standard contract, making commodity futures accessible to traders with smaller accounts.

Futures inherently provide leverage because you only need to post margin (a fraction of the contract value) to control the full position. For example, if you post $11,000 margin on a gold contract worth $200,000+, you are leveraged roughly 18:1. This magnifies both gains and losses.