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Edge Tool

Commission is a cost hurdle before it is a rounding error.

Every trade pays commission before it pays the trader. This calculator shows exactly how many ticks a setup needs just to break even.

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Interactive tool

Ticks to breakeven

Ticks to breakeven
0.36 ticks

Ticks the trade must move just to cover round-trip commission, before it earns anything.

ticksToBreakeven = (commissionPerSide * 2) / tickValue
Result report
Compare the result to your written trade plan.
Re-run it whenever your account size, stop, or contract changes.
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Visual model

The tool should change the next decision, not just return a number.

Each tool gives a usable answer on the spot. No account needed.

At a glance
This page
Commission / Breakeven Calculator
What you get

Ticks to breakeven

How to read it

Use the output as a review prompt, not a signal.

  • Round-trip commission = commission per side x 2 x contracts. Ticks-to-breakeven is independent of contract count because P&L also scales with contracts.
  • This covers commission only. Exchange, NFA, and platform fees are not included here — confirm the all-in round-trip cost with your broker.
  • A setup that needs several ticks just to cover commission has a real cost hurdle before it can be profitable; compare this number to the typical target distance.

Risk disclosure

This tool is educational. It does not place trades, recommend trades, or know your personal financial situation. Trading stocks, options, futures and crypto involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. You can lose more than you invest in leveraged products. Only trade money you can afford to lose. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Methodology

Reviewed as educational research, not trade advice.

Futures-first risk math before product claims.
Every page answers your question before it asks anything of you.
Tools are educational and never produce trade recommendations.
Formulas are shown on the page. Results are educational, never trade recommendations.
Trust file
Author
Sage
Reviewed by
Sage
Updated
2026-05-28
Scope
Education only. Not trade advice.
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Where to go next

The tools are free. The trades are in Pro.

Every calculator and guide here is free, no account needed. If you want to learn the craft, that is the Academy. If you want our trades as we take them, with alerts, that is Pro. New paid memberships are paused right now, so paid plans go through the waitlist.

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