Direct answer：This tool answers where an adverse move could exhaust available margin under a simplified isolated-margin model. It is not a live liquidation quote for an exchange account. Use it for leverage stress testing, then verify the mark price, risk tier, and order preview while signed in to the venue.
Liquidation is a margin condition, not just a percentage move
A perpetual position accumulates unrealized profit or loss. When the venue-defined margin condition for the account or position reaches its liquidation threshold, its risk engine may reduce or close the position. Higher leverage leaves less initial margin relative to notional and usually shortens the adverse price distance.
This calculator covers one isolated, linear, USDT-margined position. It sets initial margin to entry notional divided by leverage and solves with one fixed maintenance-margin rate and liquidation-fee reserve.
- A long loses as price falls; a short loses as price rises.
- Maintenance margin is not one universal constant and may be tiered by market and notional.
- A venue applies the price and precision rules of its own risk engine; this simple model is not a substitute for them.
Simplified isolated-margin formula
Let E be entry price, Q quantity, L leverage, M isolated margin balance, and r the sum of the maintenance-margin rate and liquidation-fee reserve. With no added margin, M = E × Q ÷ L.
The formula solves the point where margin balance plus unrealized P&L equals maintenance margin and the fee reserve calculated at the liquidation estimate. Enter all rates as decimals.
Long estimate = (E × Q − M) ÷ [Q × (1 − r)]Short estimate = (E × Q + M) ÷ [Q × (1 + r)]Adverse distance % = |entry − estimate| ÷ entry × 100%Why the venue can show a different value
A venue may include maintenance tiers, tier deductions, isolated margin changes, unsettled funding, open orders, liquidation handling fees, and price precision. Binance exposes different maintenance rates and deductions by notional bracket; OKX documentation likewise distinguishes account modes and position tiers.
Cross and portfolio margin cannot be represented by this page's formula because other positions, available balance, collateral haircuts, and unrealized P&L may affect account-level risk.
| Item | This tool | Venue account model |
|---|---|---|
| Margin mode | One isolated position | Isolated, cross, or portfolio |
| Maintenance margin | One input rate | May use tiers and deductions |
| Other assets and positions | Excluded | May affect cross or portfolio risk |
| Price and rounding | Continuous values | Mark price, tick size, and venue precision |
Verification order before using the result
Confirm the contract is linear and USDT-margined, then obtain the maintenance rate for that market and notional tier. After calculating, sign in to the venue and preview the same side, quantity, leverage, and margin mode.
If the values differ, use the venue account value and check the risk bracket, added margin, open orders, and funding. Do not treat the estimate as a guaranteed stop: gaps, liquidity, and slippage can produce a different fill after a stop triggers.
- Record contract, side, quantity, leverage, margin mode, and checked time.
- Match the maintenance rate to the current notional bracket.
- Treat the signed-in order or position preview as authoritative.
Worked example: Reproducible example: 10× isolated BTCUSDT long
- Entry E: 50,000 USDT
- Quantity Q: 0.2 BTC; entry notional: 10,000 USDT
- Leverage L: 10×; initial margin M: 1,000 USDT
- Teaching assumptions: 0.50% maintenance rate plus 0.05% liquidation-fee reserve, so r = 0.0055
- Long estimate = (50,000×0.2−1,000)÷[0.2×(1−0.0055)]
- = 9,000÷0.1989 = 45,248.87 USDT
- Adverse distance = (50,000−45,248.87)÷50,000 = 9.50%
Under these fixed assumptions, the simplified estimate is about 45,248.87 USDT, 9.50% below entry.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the liquidation price my exchange will show?
No. The tool models one isolated linear contract. A venue may also apply tier deductions, open orders, funding, account balances, mark-price rules, and rounding.
Why can the same 10× leverage produce different values?
Maintenance tiers, liquidation costs, contract specifications, and risk engines differ. A larger position can also enter another tier on the same venue.
What happens if I add isolated margin?
With other inputs unchanged, added isolated margin generally moves liquidation farther away, but the venue account model determines the actual value.
Does a stop-loss guarantee I cannot be liquidated?
No. Gaps, poor liquidity, trigger-price settings, or execution delays can move the fill, and very high leverage may reach liquidation first.
Where do I find the maintenance-margin rate?
Use the venue's current risk-limit or notional-bracket information for the exact market and position size, then verify it in the signed-in account. Do not reuse an old screenshot.
Official sources and checks
- Futures PnL calculation rules · OKXRecorded: 2026-08-31
USDT isolated liquidation formula and initial/maintenance margin relationship
- Futures margin calculation rules · OKXRecorded: 2026-08-31
Isolated versus cross margin and account-model differences
- USDⓈ-M Futures Notional and Leverage Brackets API · Binance DevelopersRecorded: 2026-08-31
Notional brackets, maintenance rates, and cumulative deductions vary by tier
How this page was produced: AI-assisted draft · automated release checks · 2026-08-31