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How Is Maximum Drawdown Calculated?

Maximum drawdown (Max DD) is the largest loss your account can incur before it’s considered breached.

Updated over 2 months ago

It’s based on a fixed percentage of your initial account balance, not your highest balance achieved.


The formula

Max Drawdown = Initial Account Balance × Max Drawdown %

This value is your absolute minimum equity — if your account equity falls below it at any time, the account is breached.


Example calculations

Account Size

Max DD %

Max DD Value

Breach Trigger

$50,000

15%

$7,500

Equity below $42,500

$50,000 (Elite)

10%

$5,000

Equity below $45,000

$100,000

15%

$15,000

Equity below $85,000

$100,000 (Elite)

10%

$10,000

Equity below $90,000


Key points

  • Max drawdown is static — it does not trail your profits.

  • Applies at all times, including during overnight trades.

  • Once hit, the account is breached immediately.


Pro Tip:
Keep position sizing small enough so that one bad trade can’t put you close to your Max DD limit. A buffer helps avoid accidental breaches.

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