What is a lot size in options and futures?
A lot is the fixed quantity you must trade per contract. Learn lot sizes for NIFTY, BankNifty and more, and how they affect cost and risk.
In F&O you don't trade single units — you trade in lots. A lot size is the fixed quantity per contract set by the exchange. One "lot" of NIFTY options, for example, is a bundle of units, so your cost and risk scale with the lot.
Common index lot sizes
- NIFTY: 75 per lot
- BankNifty: 35 per lot
- FinNifty / Midcap / Sensex: vary — check current values in the app
(Exchanges revise lot sizes periodically, so always confirm the live value shown on the contract.)
Why it matters
- Cost = premium × lot size × number of lots. A ₹100 NIFTY option = ₹100 × 75 = ₹7,500 per lot.
- Risk scales with lots — start with 1 lot when practising.
- Margin (for shorts/futures) is calculated per lot — see margin explained.
For a deeper treatment, read lot size & margin in options.
FAQ
What is the NIFTY lot size?
Currently 75 units per lot (exchanges revise this over time).
How do I know the lot size of a contract?
It's shown on the contract/order ticket in the app.
Can I trade less than one lot?
No — F&O trades in whole lots. Stocks and ETFs trade in single units.