Account Balance in
Position Sizing
Learn how account balance factors into position size calculations, including the difference between balance and equity.
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Account balance is the starting point for the position sizing formula introduced in this unit's overview. This guide explains what account balance means in this context and an important related distinction: balance versus equity.
This is general educational content explaining a foundational calculation input.
What Is Account Balance?
Account balance generally refers to the total funds in a trading account, not counting any currently open, unrealized positions. This is the figure most commonly used as the starting point in the position sizing formula, since it represents a clear, settled amount of capital.
Balance vs Equity
It's worth distinguishing account balance from account equity. Equity generally reflects account balance adjusted for the current unrealized profit or loss of any open positions. Because open positions can fluctuate in value, some traders prefer using equity for position size calculations, as it more accurately reflects current available capital, while others use balance for simplicity and consistency.
Why This Figure Should Be Reviewed Regularly
As covered in the earlier lesson on percentage-based risk, since position sizing is calculated relative to current balance (or equity), this figure needs to be reviewed before each new position sizing calculation, rather than relying on an outdated figure from a previous session, particularly after account balance has changed due to prior trades.
Consistency Supports Accurate Risk Management
Whichever figure β balance or equity β a trader chooses to use, applying it consistently supports more accurate and reliable position sizing over time, connecting to the broader theme of consistent, structured decision-making covered throughout this Learning Hub.
π Summary
Account balance is the starting figure in the position sizing formula, and it's worth distinguishing from equity, which adjusts for the unrealized profit or loss of open positions. Whichever figure is used, checking it before each new calculation and applying it consistently supports more accurate position sizing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is account balance?
It generally refers to the total funds in a trading account, not counting any currently open, unrealized positions.
What is the difference between balance and equity?
Equity reflects account balance adjusted for the current unrealized profit or loss of open positions, while balance does not include this adjustment.
Why should this figure be checked before each calculation?
Because position sizing is calculated relative to current balance or equity, using an outdated figure after balance has changed can lead to inaccurate position sizing.
Should I use balance or equity for position sizing?
This is a personal preference; some traders prefer equity for a more current reflection of available capital, while others use balance for simplicity.
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