Leverage และ Margin ใน Forex เข้าใจง่ายใน 10 นาที
Many beginners see terms like 1:100 or 1:500 leverage and wonder what they really mean, why they matter, and why understanding margin calls and stop-outs is essential before trading. This article explains these concepts clearly with real examples.
Leverage and Margin in Forex: A Simple 10-Minute Guide
Many beginners see terms like 1:100 or 1:500 leverage and wonder what they really mean, why they matter, and why understanding margin calls and stop-outs is essential before trading. This article explains these concepts clearly with real examples.
What is Leverage?
Leverage (or "financial leverage") is borrowed capital from your broker that lets you open positions larger than your actual account balance.
Example:
- You have $1,000 in your account
- With 1:100 leverage → you can trade up to $100,000 (1 standard lot of EUR/USD)
- With 1:500 leverage → you can trade up to $500,000 (5 standard lots of EUR/USD)
Higher leverage means bigger positions, but also higher risk.
What is Margin?
Margin is the deposit your broker holds as collateral while your position is open. It's calculated as:
Margin = (Position Size × Contract Value) ÷ Leverage
Example:
- Opening 1 standard lot of EUR/USD (100,000 units)
- With 1:100 leverage
- Margin = 100,000 ÷ 100 = $1,000
With 1:500 leverage:
- Margin = 100,000 ÷ 500 = $200
See how higher leverage reduces the required margin?
What is Free Margin?
Free Margin is your available capital to open new positions.
Free Margin = Balance + Equity − Used Margin
Example:
- Account balance: $5,000
- Open positions using $1,000 in margin
- Free Margin = 5,000 − 1,000 = $4,000
What is a Margin Call?
A Margin Call is your broker's warning that your account equity is getting dangerously low (your margin level has dropped below their threshold).
Example:
- Broker sets margin call at 100%
- Balance: $2,000
- Used Margin: $1,500
- Free Margin: $500
- Margin Level = (Equity ÷ Used Margin) × 100
When prices move against you and your equity drops enough to push your margin level below the threshold, your broker issues a margin call.
What is Stop-Out?
Stop-Out is when your broker automatically closes your positions because your account equity has fallen too low, preventing your balance from going negative.
Example:
- Stop-out level: 50%
- Balance: $2,000
- Used Margin: $1,500
- When equity drops to $750 (750 ÷ 1,500 × 100 = 50%) → broker closes your positions
Important Leverage Warnings
- High leverage ≠ high profits — risk increases proportionally
- Beginners should start with lower leverage like 1:100 or 1:200
- Always use stop-loss orders to limit potential losses
- Don't over-leverage until your margin level gets too low
Summary
- Leverage = borrowed capital from your broker (1:100, 1:500)
- Margin = collateral required to open a position
- Margin Call = warning that equity is running low
- Stop-Out = automatic position closure when equity is critically low
Understanding these fundamentals before live trading will help you manage risk better and avoid devastating losses.
For beginners ready to start, I recommend XM, a globally recognized broker offering up to 1:889 leverage on Micro accounts. They provide comprehensive educational resources including courses, market analysis, and regular webinars. Deposits and withdrawals are easy across multiple methods, making them suitable for both new traders and experienced professionals.