MNQ vs NQ: Which Futures Contract Is Right For You?

Learn the key differences between Micro E-mini Nasdaq (MNQ) and full-size Nasdaq (NQ) futures so you can choose the contract that matches your account size and trading style.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Metric MNQ (Micro E-mini) NQ (Full-Size)
Contract Size $20 per index point $100 per index point
Tick Size 0.25 index points 0.25 index points
Tick Value $5 per tick $25 per tick
Typical Margin Required $500-$800 $2,500-$4,000
100-Point Move Profit/Loss: $2,000 Profit/Loss: $10,000
Typical Round-Trip Cost $2.50-$5.00 $5.00-$10.00
Volatility (Same Index) Identical percentage moves Identical percentage moves
Liquidity Very High Extremely High

Which Contract Is Best For You?

📊 Choose MNQ If You Have:

  • Account size under $25,000
  • Want to learn futures trading
  • Prefer lower risk per trade
  • Want lower margin requirements
  • Can't afford $2,500+ margin per contract
  • Multiple position management

🚀 Choose NQ If You Have:

  • Account size $25,000 or larger
  • Want larger profits per move
  • Can afford higher margin requirements
  • Prefer concentrated single positions
  • Professional/institutional trading
  • Want maximum profit potential

Account Size Recommendations

💙 $5,000 - $15,000 Account?

MNQ is your best choice. With typical margin of $500-800 per contract, you can maintain 2-3 open positions comfortably. This allows you to scale in and out of trades, manage risk effectively, and avoid account stress. You can trade size without risking your entire account on a single 100-point move.

💜 $15,000 - $30,000 Account?

You have flexibility. MNQ gives you risk control and position sizing options. NQ is feasible if you run smaller positions (1 contract at a time). Consider your experience level and risk tolerance. If unsure, start with MNQ and upgrade to NQ as you grow your account and experience.

🧡 $30,000+ Account?

NQ becomes practical and efficient. You can maintain 2-3 NQ contracts within margin requirements while still having cash reserves. Larger position sizes mean fewer contracts needed to reach your P&L targets, simplifying trade management.

SuperTrend Signals Work Identically With Both

The MNQ Primo SuperTrend algorithm detects the same trend direction changes on Nasdaq futures, regardless of which contract you trade:

  • ✓ Same Signal Generation: Both contracts move in perfect lockstep (percentage-wise)
  • ✓ Same Entry/Exit Points: SuperTrend flips happen at identical price levels
  • ✓ Same Strategy: 2 weeks optimization, ATR-based stops, trailing stops on winners
  • ✓ Only Difference: Your profit/loss dollar amount (5x larger on NQ per move)

Profit/Loss Example: 50-Point SuperTrend Trade

MNQ (1 contract)

+$1,000
50 points × $20/point = $1,000 profit (before costs)

NQ (1 contract)

+$5,000
50 points × $100/point = $5,000 profit (before costs)

With typical trading costs ($2.50-5 per MNQ, $5-10 per NQ), net profit would be ~$990-1000 for MNQ or ~$4,990-5000 for NQ. Your signal entry and exit points are identical. Your contract choice just scales the dollar outcome.

Risk Management by Contract Size

MNQ Risk Example

Account: $10,000

  • Margin per contract: $650
  • Max positions: 3 contracts
  • Worst-case 100pt loss: $2,000/contract
  • Can stop-out risk: 20 percent per contract
  • Realistic safe risk: 5-10 percent

NQ Risk Example

Account: $25,000

  • Margin per contract: $3,000
  • Max positions: 2 contracts
  • Worst-case 100pt loss: $10,000/contract
  • Can stop-out risk: 40 percent per contract
  • Realistic safe risk: 5-10 percent

In both cases, professional traders risk only 1-5 percent per trade. With SuperTrend ATR-based stops, your maximum loss is predictable. Choose the contract size that lets you follow proper risk management without stress.

Our Recommendation

Start with MNQ if your account is under $25,000. As your account grows and your trading experience increases, you can graduate to NQ. Both give you access to the exact same proven SuperTrend signals—your only choice is the contract size that matches your account and risk comfort level.

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