What is margin ratio in futures trading?

Last updated: 2026-10-15

Margin ratio shows how close you are to liquidation. Margin ratio = maintenance margin / margin balance. The higher it is, the riskier your position: Xoibit warns you at 80% and liquidates at 100%.

What is maintenance margin?

Maintenance margin is the minimum margin a position needs to stay open. It is calculated from the tier your position is in:

Maintenance margin = position value x maintenance margin rate - maintenance amount.

Each pair's tiers, with the maintenance margin rate and maintenance amount, are listed under Leverage & Margin on Trading rules.

What is margin balance?

Margin balance is the margin backing your position plus its unrealized PnL. In isolated mode it is the position's own margin; in cross mode it is based on your Futures wallet balance and all your cross positions. When the price moves against you, the unrealized loss lowers the margin balance and the ratio goes up.

What happens at each level?

• Below 80%: normal.
• 80%: you get a warning notification. Consider adding margin, reducing the position or closing it.
• 100%: the position is liquidated. It is closed at market and its open orders on that pair are cancelled; in cross mode all cross positions are closed.

Where do I see my margin ratio?

The Margin Ratio panel on the futures page shows your current ratio, maintenance margin and margin balance. Each position in the Positions tab also shows its margin ratio.

How do I lower my margin ratio?

• Add margin to an isolated position, or transfer more USDT to your Futures wallet for cross positions.
• Reduce or close part of the position.
• Use lower leverage on new positions.

In a fast market the ratio can jump from the warning to 100% in moments. Use a stop loss instead of waiting for the warning.