Futures Contracts & Data Fees
Contract caps plus exchange data fees gate every futures eval — exceed one micro and you breach.
A 50K futures eval commonly allows 5 minis or 50 micros; a 150K allows more on a published ladder. Exceeding by a single micro for seconds is a hard breach, not a warning. Exchange data runs $15–$50 monthly per exchange unless the firm bundles it, and activation fees apply per account. Micros are one-tenth of minis but counted separately toward the cap. On $100K-equivalent futures buying power, trade the micro ladder until payout rhythm proves, then step up one tier at a time.
Applies to 3 firms • Futures Specific • EVALUATION + FUNDED
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Why this rule exists
A 50K futures eval commonly allows 5 minis or 50 micros; a 150K allows more on a published ladder. Exceeding by a single micro for seconds is a hard breach, not a warning. Exchange data runs $15–$50 monthly per exchange unless the firm bundles it, and activation fees apply per account. Micros are one-tenth of minis but counted separately toward the cap. On $100K-equivalent futures buying power, trade the micro ladder until payout rhythm proves, then step up one tier at a time.
How traders get caught
This rule is often buried in FAQ or enforced only at payout review — not on the pricing page. Check the exact firm wording before assuming the headline covers your case.
How to stay safe
Verify the firm terms excerpt, keep evidence logs of your setup, and test edge cases in the simulator before sizing up.
The Formula
How it is calculated
Real Dollar Example
On a 50K futures eval capped at 5 minis / 50 micros, you hold 50 micros and add 1 mini as a hedge — 51 micro-equivalents over the micro interpretation plus a mini over intent reads as breach on strict desks. Correct sizing is 4 minis ($100K notional each) with $30 CME data active, leaving one contract of headroom.
Common Traps & Mistakes
Adding one micro hedge that tips the count to 51 — instant breach.
Letting data lapse mid-eval and trading blind on delayed quotes.
Sizing minis like FX lots — one ES mini equals $50 per point.
Firms using this rule
Related guides
Keep learning this cluster
Lot Size & Contract Limits
Max lots per trade and max contracts held — exceed it and the account is hard-breached.
All-In Cost Per $100K
True cost is fee plus resets, activation, data, and add-ons minus refunds — not the sticker price.
Hard vs Soft Breach Types
Hard breach kills the account instantly; soft breach closes trades or blocks payouts but lets you continue.
Intraday Trailing Drawdown
The strictest model: every intraday equity peak instantly drags the loss floor higher.
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