Futures Tick Value Chart: ES, NQ, YM, RTY, CL, GC and Micros
By Kamal Chelliah · Published October 29, 2026 · Last reviewed October 29, 2026
Educational only, not financial advice. Futures trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. Past results do not guarantee future results.
Every futures contract moves in fixed steps called ticks, and every tick is worth a fixed number of dollars. Knowing both numbers is the starting point for sizing a trade. Always confirm specifications on cmegroup.com before trading, since they can change.
The chart
| Contract | Symbol | Tick size | Tick value | Dollars per point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-mini S&P 500 | ES | 0.25 | $12.50 | $50 |
| Micro E-mini S&P 500 | MES | 0.25 | $1.25 | $5 |
| E-mini Nasdaq-100 | NQ | 0.25 | $5.00 | $20 |
| Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 | MNQ | 0.25 | $0.50 | $2 |
| E-mini Dow ($5) | YM | 1.00 | $5.00 | $5 |
| Micro E-mini Dow | MYM | 1.00 | $0.50 | $0.50 |
| E-mini Russell 2000 | RTY | 0.10 | $5.00 | $50 |
| Micro E-mini Russell 2000 | M2K | 0.10 | $0.50 | $5 |
| Crude Oil (1,000 barrels) | CL | $0.01 | $10.00 | $1,000 per $1 |
| Micro Crude Oil (100 barrels) | MCL | $0.01 | $1.00 | $100 per $1 |
| Gold (100 oz) | GC | $0.10 | $10.00 | $100 per $1 |
| Micro Gold (10 oz) | MGC | $0.10 | $1.00 | $10 per $1 |
The formula
Profit or loss = ticks moved × tick value × number of contracts, before commissions and fees. Or, using points: points moved × dollars per point × contracts.
Worked examples (hypothetical)
- ES moves 8 points against 2 contracts: 8 × $50 × 2 = $800 loss
- MNQ moves 30 points in your favor on 4 contracts: 30 × $2 × 4 = $240 gain
- CL moves $0.35 against 1 contract: 35 ticks × $10 = $350 loss
- MGC moves $5.00 in your favor on 3 contracts: 5 × $10 × 3 = $150 gain
Ticks vs. points: a common confusion
On ES, NQ, MES and MNQ a point is four ticks (0.25 each). On YM, a tick is a full point. On RTY, a point is ten ticks (0.10 each). Check which unit your platform's chart shows.
Use tick value to size risk
- Decide the dollar amount you're willing to lose on the trade
- Measure the distance from entry to your stop in ticks or points
- Cost of the stop per contract = distance × tick value
- Contracts = risk amount ÷ cost per contract, rounded down
If the result is less than one standard contract, use the micro version. Details in micro vs. E-mini and risk management rules.
Fees and slippage
Tick-value math ignores commissions, exchange and clearing fees, and slippage (fills away from your intended price). Include them when you plan. They add up, especially on small targets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the tick value of NQ?
$5.00 per 0.25-point tick ($20 per point).
What is the tick value of ES?
$12.50 per 0.25-point tick ($50 per point).
What is the tick value of MNQ?
$0.50 per tick ($2 per point).
What is a tick in futures?
The smallest price increment a contract can move.
Do tick values change?
Rarely, but exchanges can revise specifications. Confirm on CME Group's site before trading.
About the author
Kamal Chelliah has traded markets since 2009, starting with penny stocks and moving through major stocks (2012), options (2015), commodities (2017) and futures (2019). With a software engineering background, Kamal builds automated tools and chart indicators for trading analysis, and shares futures trade ideas with their reasoning through TradeSharing. Content is educational and not personalized advice.
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This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not financial, investment or trading advice. Futures trading involves substantial risk of loss. Hypothetical examples are illustrative and do not represent actual trades or results. Full disclaimer.