Free tool
XAU/USD lot size calculator
Size gold trades so that a stop-out costs exactly the risk you choose, however your broker counts pips.
Rounded down to the nearest 0.01 lot so you never risk more than planned.
Conversions use reference rates from 6 October 2026. Your broker’s live prices will differ slightly.
Worked example
You have a $5,000 account and risk 1%, so $50. A gold signal has its stop $5.00 below the entry price. One lot moves $100 for each $1, so the stop costs $500 per lot. $50 ÷ $500 = 0.10 lots. The same $50 risk on EUR/USD with a 25-pip stop would allow 0.20 lots. Gold needs smaller sizes for the same risk.
Pips, points and dollars
Gold is the instrument where pip confusion costs traders the most. A signal saying "50-pip stop" could mean $5, $0.50 or $50 depending on who wrote it. Always check the actual prices. Gold is priced in US dollars, so for a non-USD account the calculator converts the risk at reference rates. The same method for currency pairs is in the lot size calculator and lot sizes explained.
FAQ
How do you calculate lot size for gold?
One standard lot of XAU/USD is usually 100 ounces, so every $1 move in the gold price is worth $100 per lot. Lots = amount at risk ÷ (stop distance in $ × 100). Risking $100 with a $5 stop gives 100 ÷ 500 = 0.20 lots.
What is a pip in gold?
Brokers disagree. Most treat a pip as $0.10, so a $1 move is 10 pips, but some call $0.01 a pip or point, and others use $1. That is why this calculator lets you enter the stop in dollars, pips ($0.10) or points ($0.01). If unsure, enter the dollar distance between entry and stop.
Why is gold riskier to size than EUR/USD?
Gold moves far more than major currency pairs. Daily ranges of $30 to $60 are common, so stops need to be wider and positions smaller. Using forex lot sizes on gold is one of the most common ways traders blow accounts.
Is the contract size always 100 ounces?
Usually, but check your broker’s symbol specification. Some use 10 or 1 ounce per lot, or a different symbol such as GOLD. Change the contract size field to match.
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