How is Daily Loss Limit Calculated with Examples!

Modified on Sun, 7 Sep at 1:24 PM

The Daily Loss Limit is one of the most important rules in prop trading. It ensures traders manage risk consistently and avoid excessive losses in a single day.


How is it calculated?


The Daily Loss Limit is based on your highest equity of the day (realized + unrealized PnL).

  • If your equity drops below the allowed threshold at any point, the account will be marked as failed — even if you later close in profit.

  • This includes both open drawdowns and closed losses.


Example with $5,000 Account

  • Daily Loss Limit = 5% of balance = $250

  • Suppose your balance is $5,000 and during the day your equity rises to $5,200 (profit of $200).

  • Now your effective limit for the day is:

    $5,200 – $250 = $4,950

  • If equity falls below $4,950 at any point, the account will breach.


Example with $10,000 Account

  • Daily Loss Limit = 5% = $500

  • Balance = $10,000, equity rises to $10,300 during the day.

  • Effective limit = $10,300 – $500 = $9,800

  • If equity falls below $9,800 → breach.


Example with $20,000 Account

  • Daily Loss Limit = 5% = $1,000

  • Balance = $20,000, equity rises to $20,500.

  • Effective limit = $20,500 – $1,000 = $19,500

  • Falling below $19,500 at any time = breach.


Important Notes

  • The system checks your equity (not just balance) live throughout the day.

  • Breach is instant and automatic — it cannot be reversed.

  • Even if you were in profit earlier, a sudden move against you can trigger the limit.

  • Always calculate risk keeping this rule in mind.


? For full details: Funds.Pro Daily Loss Limit Rule


Was this article helpful?

That’s Great!

Thank you for your feedback

Sorry! We couldn't be helpful

Thank you for your feedback

Let us know how can we improve this article!

Select at least one of the reasons
CAPTCHA verification is required.

Feedback sent

We appreciate your effort and will try to fix the article