Futures Profit Calculator
Calculate futures P&L for ES, NQ, CL, GC, and more with tick, point, fee, and margin breakdowns.
Points Moved: 4520 − 4500 = 20 pts (long)
Profit per Contract: 20 × $50 = $1,000.00
Gross Profit: $1,000.00 × 1 = $1,000.00
Total Fees: $5 × 1 × 2 = $10.00
Net Profit / Loss: $1,000.00 − $10.00 = $990.00
How Futures Profit Calculation Works
A futures contract is a standardized agreement to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price on a future date. Each contract has a defined tick size (minimum price movement) and tick value (dollar amount per tick). For example, the E-mini S&P 500 (ES) has a tick size of 0.25 points and a tick value of $12.50, meaning each full point is worth $50 per contract.
The core formula is simple: Profit = Points Moved × Point Value × Number of Contracts. For a long position, you profit when the price rises. For a short position, you profit when it falls. For example, if you buy 1 ES contract at 4500 and sell at 4520, you gain 20 points × $50 = $1,000 before commissions.
Going long means you expect the price to rise — you buy first, then sell at a higher price. Going short means you expect the price to fall — you sell first, then buy back at a lower price. Futures make short-selling easy, allowing you to profit in any market direction.
Futures are highly leveraged instruments. Your margin (collateral) is typically 5–15% of the contract's notional value. This amplifies both gains and losses — a 1% move in the underlying can result in a 10–20% ROI on your margin. The ROI shown here is calculated as Net Profit ÷ Total Margin Required.
This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before trading. For other financial calculations, see the options profit calculator, crypto profit calculator, or investment calculator.