Free tool

F&O Margin Calculator

Estimate the margin to sell Nifty or Bank Nifty options, trade futures, or hedge a position with a spread, per lot, and see how much a hedge saves. Buying options needs no margin, only the premium.

Estimates only. Real SPAN and exposure margins are set by the exchange and change daily with volatility and around events. These are simplified, normal-volatility estimates, verify the exact figure with your broker's margin calculator before trading. NiftyWise is educational and not SEBI-registered.

Enter the details above to estimate the margin.

Estimates use normal-volatility SPAN and exposure rates, last reviewed 1 September 2026. Trading costs are separate, see the brokerage calculator.

Margin calculator FAQ

How much margin do I need to sell one lot of Nifty options?+

As a rough estimate, selling one lot of Nifty options blocks around 8 to 9 percent of the contract value as SPAN plus exposure margin. With Nifty near 24,850 and a lot of 65, that is roughly ₹1.2 to ₹1.5 lakh per lot. The exact figure is set by the exchange and changes daily with volatility, so always confirm with your broker.

What are SPAN and exposure margin?+

SPAN margin covers the worst-case one-day loss the exchange models for your position. Exposure margin is an additional buffer on top. Together they are the total margin a broker blocks to let you carry a short option or a futures position.

Do I need margin to buy options?+

No. Buying an option only costs the premium, and that premium is your maximum loss, so there is no SPAN or exposure margin. Margin applies when you sell/write options or trade futures.

How much less margin does a hedged spread need?+

A hedge, buying a further option against the one you sold, caps your maximum loss, so the exchange blocks roughly that capped loss instead of the full naked margin. A Nifty spread 200 points wide might block around ₹13,000 versus roughly ₹1.4 lakh naked, a large reduction. It is still an estimate, so confirm the exact figure with your broker.

Is this the exact margin my broker will block?+

No. This is an educational estimate using simplified, normal-volatility rates. Real SPAN margins are recalculated by the exchange several times a day and rise sharply near events and in volatile markets. Use your broker's official margin calculator before placing a trade.