PDT rule calculator
In a US margin account under $25,000, the pattern day trader rule caps how often you can day trade, counting over a rolling five-business-day window. Enter your account type, equity and the day trades made in the last five business days, and the calculator tells you how many are left and whether the next one would get you flagged. It also shows how many round trips a cash account could manage with your settled cash.
Your equity and the $25,000 line
A pattern day trader has to be above this line at the start of each day to keep day trading.
Your choices at a glance
How often you could day trade in each account type with the money you have.
| Setup | Day trades allowed | Catch |
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How the PDT check is done
The rule looks at the most recent five business days. The calculator counts what you have used and what one more trade would do.
It follows the FINRA rule as it has stood for years. Brokers may be stricter and the rule itself may change, so confirm with your broker.
Margin or cash account
Only margin accounts fall under the rule; cash accounts are limited by settled money instead.
Equity check
At $25,000 or more you can day trade freely, with day trading buying power of up to four times excess maintenance margin.
free to day trade if equity ≥ $25,000
Count the window
Four or more day trades in five business days is a pattern, provided they exceed 6% of all trades.
flag if day trades ≥ 4 and day trades ÷ all trades > 6%
Trades remaining
Under $25,000 you can make up to three day trades in the window without being flagged.
left = 3 − day trades made
Cash account comparison
Settled cash divided by your position size, because each round trip uses cash that settles the next business day.
round trips per day = settled cash ÷ position size
Pattern day trader rule FAQ
What is the pattern day trader rule?
Under FINRA rules, a margin account that makes four or more day trades within five business days is a pattern day trader account, as long as those day trades are over 6 percent of its trades in that period. Such an account has to hold at least $25,000 in equity to keep day trading.
What counts as a day trade?
Buying and selling, or shorting and covering, the same security within one trading day in a margin account. Buying 100 shares in the morning and selling them after lunch is one day trade. Buying in pieces and selling once usually counts as one, though brokers count some sequences differently.
What if I am flagged with less than $25,000?
The broker will normally block further day trading until equity is back to $25,000, often for 90 days or until the call is met. Some brokers offer a one-off reset. Positions you already hold are not touched.
Is a cash account covered by the PDT rule?
No, but you can only trade with settled money. US stock trades now settle one business day later, so sale proceeds can be used again the next business day. Trading with unsettled cash can cause a good faith violation.
Does the rule cover forex, futures or crypto?
No. It applies to stocks and options in US margin accounts at FINRA-regulated brokers. Forex, futures and crypto accounts follow their own rules and margin requirements.
Is the PDT rule being changed?
FINRA has proposed replacing the $25,000 requirement with a different intraday margin framework. Changes need regulatory approval and time to take effect, so ask your broker whether anything has changed for your account.