Overview
Contract Limits lets you define the maximum position size per product you're willing to hold. It is a pre-trade guardrail that blocks orders which would push you above your limit.
Good to Know
Contract Limits are personal platform limits. Firm/FCM limits, margin checks, and exchange rules still apply.
Limits apply per product.
Reduce-only orders are permitted. TopstepX blocks orders that would increase your exposure beyond the cap, but allows you to reduce or close existing positions.
Get Started with Contract Limits on TopstepX™
Open Settings → Risk, then go to Contract Limits.
Add or select a product and set your Max Position Size.
Click Save. Your limits take effect immediately.
To change or remove a limit, edit the number or delete the row and then Save again.
How It Works
Before an order is sent, TopstepX checks your current net position plus your working order's potential fill size.
If a newly submitted order exceeds the limit, the platform blocks submission and shows a message.
Allowed while at the limit:
Reduce or close positions (market/limit)
Modify or cancel working orders that don't increase exposure
Blocked while at or near the limit:
New orders that would increase your net contracts above the limit
Bracket/attached orders that would increase size beyond the limit
DOM, chart trading, hotkeys, and API orders follow the same check.
Examples
You set ES max = 2 and currently hold long 1 ES.
Submit Buy 1 ES → Allowed (net would be 2)
Submit Buy 2 ES → Blocked (net would be 3)
Submit Sell 1 ES → Allowed (reduces risk)
You set MES max = 10 and have a working Buy 8 MES. If you're flat and try to add Buy 4 MES, TopstepX blocks it because 8 (working) + 4 (new) > 10.
Important Notes
Firm/FCM vs. personal limits: If the FCM or firm risk sets a lower cap than your personal limit, the lower cap wins.
Margin interaction: Clearing-firm margin checks run in parallel. Even within your Contract Limit, orders can be rejected for insufficient margin, price bands, or other risk checks.
Overnight vs. intraday: Contract Limits are not time-based. If you need different limits for overnight, adjust them manually. Customers are responsible for managing their own limits; TopstepX does not automatically adjust Contract Limits based on session or time of day.
Contract Limits are a voluntary platform tool and do not guarantee against trading losses. Futures trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not appropriate for all investors.