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Gold (XAU/USD) lot size calculator
Start from how much you are willing to lose on one trade and work back to a gold lot size. Brokers differ on how many ounces make 1 lot and on what price move counts as 1 pip, so you can set both.
New to this?
You getThe gold lot size that keeps the loss at your stop within that amount, and what one pip is worth
What to enter, and the terms used
You enterAccount currency, balance, how much you are willing to lose on one trade (% or amount), stop distance in USD, ounces per lot, and (optional) the price move you call 1 pip
New to these words?
Example: enter this, get this
- Account currency: USD, balance: 10,000, risk per trade: 1% (= $100)
- Stop distance: $5, contract size: 100 oz, 1 pip: $0.10
On 1 lot, a $1 move is worth 100 × 1 = $100, so a $5 stop loses $500 per lot. 100 ÷ 500 = 0.20 lots (the loss at your stop is $100). With 1 pip = $0.10, the $5 stop is 50 pips, and one pip on 0.20 lots is $2.
The example numbers only show how the calculation works. They are not recommendations. Replace them with your own account’s numbers, or use “Clear inputs”.Where do I find these numbers?
- Ounces per lot
- Right-click XAUUSD (the name varies by broker) in Market Watch → Specification → “Contract size”
- The price move you call 1 pip
- Your broker’s symbol or trading conditions page
The mobile app and platforms other than MT4/MT5 may use different names or places (for example, “Units” or “Lot size” for contract size). If you cannot find a number, check your broker’s help pages.
How it works
- Lot size = risk ÷ (stop distance in USD × ounces per lot × conversion rate)
- Pip value = ounces per lot × lots × the price move you call 1 pip × conversion rate
- The conversion rate is 1 for a USD account. For other account currencies, it uses the rate you enter.
- The result is rounded down to 0.01 lots. Your real loss can be bigger because of price gaps, slippage, commissions and spread.
Formula, a worked example and common mistakes
The formula
Value of a $1 move (1 lot) = ounces per lot × conversion rate
Lot size = risk amount ÷ (stop distance in USD × value of a $1 move), rounded down to 0.01 lots
Stop in pips = stop distance in USD ÷ the price move your broker calls 1 pip
The XAU/USD price is the number of US dollars for one troy ounce of gold. The conversion rate is 1 for a USD account; otherwise it is the value of $1 in your account currency.
A worked example by hand: USD account, 100 oz per lot, $5 stop
- Risk amount = $10,000 × 1% = $100
- Value of a $1 move on 1 lot = 100 × 1 = $100, so a $5 stop is $500 per lot
- Lot size = 100 ÷ 500 = 0.20 lots (the loss at your stop is $100)
- If your broker calls $0.10 one pip, the $5 stop is 50 pips. If it calls $0.01 one pip, it is 500 pips. Same distance, different count
3 common mistakes
- Copying someone else’s “50 pips” to your brokerFor gold, one pip can mean $0.01 or $0.10 depending on the broker or the source. The same “50 pips” can be 10 times apart, so thinking in dollars avoids mix-ups.
- Assuming 1 lot is always 100 ozMany brokers use 100 oz, but it varies by broker and account type. Check the contract size in the symbol specification.
- Counting gold in 0.0001 steps like a currency pairUsing the 0.0001 pip of pairs such as EUR/USD for gold puts the answer off by several digits. For gold, measure the distance in dollars first, then convert it to pips.
FAQ
How much is one pip on gold?
There is no single definition. Depending on the broker or source, one pip can be $0.01 or $0.10. To avoid mix-ups, this tool takes the stop as a dollar distance and shows pips using the definition you choose.
How many ounces is 1 lot of gold?
Many brokers use 100 oz, but it varies by broker and account type. If yours differs, use Custom.
Can I use it with a non-USD account?
Yes. Choose your account currency and enter the exchange rate with USD. There are 41 account currencies to choose from.
What % should I risk?
This tool does not pick a number for you. Enter the one from your own rules.
Did you stick to the size you calculated?
Tiltnote is a trading journal where you log, in one tap, whether you kept your rules and how you felt on each trade. Over time you can see how the days you stick to your size differ from the days you don’t. Add the EA to MT4/MT5 and closed trades are recorded automatically (paid plan).
Try Tiltnote free →On the free plan, analysis and history show your most recent 14 days (older records are kept and unlock on the paid plan).Related articles
What is a lot in forex? How many units one lot isHow to calculate forex profit and loss
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This tool is a calculation aid. It is not investment advice or a recommendation to make any trade. Real values depend on your broker’s contract size, rates, commissions and spread. Always check in your trading platform before placing an order. The numbers you enter are calculated on your device and never sent anywhere.
Updated 21 Oct 2026 · Run by Kenji Okumura, Representative, Tiltnote · About this site