The difference between full position and position-by-position in OKX contracts? Which mode is safer to choose for opening a position?

OKX offers Full Position mode, netting all positions, and Position-by-Position mode, managing each position separately, impacting margin and risk management strategies.

May 19, 2025 at 06:00 am

The OKX platform offers two primary methods for managing trading positions in futures contracts: Full Position mode and Position-by-Position mode. Understanding the differences between these modes is crucial for traders to make informed decisions about their trading strategies. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of each mode, their operational differences, and discuss which mode might be safer for opening positions.

Understanding Full Position Mode

Full Position mode on OKX allows traders to manage all their positions in a single account as a unified whole. This means that when you open a new position, it is added to the existing positions, and all positions are netted against each other. The margin requirements and profit and loss (PnL) calculations are based on the net position.

In Full Position mode, if you have multiple positions in different contracts, the system will calculate the total exposure and margin requirements based on the net position across all contracts. For example, if you have a long position in BTC/USD and a short position in ETH/USD, the system will net these positions to calculate the overall exposure and margin.

Understanding Position-by-Position Mode

Position-by-Position mode on OKX allows traders to manage each position separately. In this mode, each new position opened is treated independently, with its own margin requirements and PnL calculations. This means that the margin for each position is calculated separately, and the positions do not net against each other.

For instance, if you open a long position in BTC/USD and a short position in ETH/USD in Position-by-Position mode, each position will have its own margin requirement and PnL calculation. The performance of one position does not affect the other, allowing for more granular control over individual positions.

Operational Differences Between Full Position and Position-by-Position Modes

The operational differences between Full Position and Position-by-Position modes are significant and can impact a trader's strategy and risk management. Here are some key differences:

• Margin Calculation: In Full Position mode, the margin is calculated based on the net position across all contracts. In Position-by-Position mode, each position has its own margin requirement, which can lead to higher overall margin requirements if you have multiple positions.

• PnL Calculation: Full Position mode calculates PnL based on the net position, while Position-by-Position mode calculates PnL for each position independently. This can affect how you perceive the profitability of your trades.

• Risk Management: Full Position mode can be riskier because a large loss in one position can affect the entire account's margin. In Position-by-Position mode, each position is isolated, which can help limit the impact of a loss in one position on the others.

• Position Management: Full Position mode can be simpler to manage because you only need to monitor one net position. Position-by-Position mode requires more attention because you need to monitor and manage each position individually.

Which Mode is Safer for Opening a Position?

Choosing between Full Position and Position-by-Position mode depends on your trading strategy and risk tolerance. Here are some considerations to help you decide which mode might be safer for opening positions:

• Risk Tolerance: If you have a lower risk tolerance, Position-by-Position mode might be safer. This mode allows you to isolate each position, limiting the impact of a loss in one position on your overall account.

• Trading Strategy: If your trading strategy involves multiple positions in different contracts, Position-by-Position mode can provide more control over each position. If you prefer a simpler approach with a focus on net exposure, Full Position mode might be more suitable.

• Margin Management: If you are concerned about margin requirements, Position-by-Position mode might lead to higher overall margin requirements due to the separate calculations for each position. Full Position mode can be more efficient in terms of margin usage, as the margin is calculated based on the net position.

• Complexity: If you prefer a less complex trading environment, Full Position mode can be easier to manage. Position-by-Position mode requires more attention and can be more complex due to the need to manage each position independently.

How to Switch Between Full Position and Position-by-Position Modes on OKX

Switching between Full Position and Position-by-Position modes on OKX is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to switch modes:

• Log in to your OKX account and navigate to the futures trading section.
• Select the contract you want to trade.
• Click on the settings icon (usually represented by a gear or cogwheel) in the trading interface.
• Look for the option to switch between Full Position and Position-by-Position modes. This option might be labeled as "Position Mode" or something similar.
• Select the desired mode and confirm your choice. The system will switch to the selected mode, and you will see the changes reflected in your trading interface.

Practical Example of Using Full Position and Position-by-Position Modes

To illustrate the differences between Full Position and Position-by-Position modes, let's consider a practical example:

Suppose you want to open two positions: a long position in BTC/USD and a short position in ETH/USD.

• In Full Position mode: You open a long position in BTC/USD and a short position in ETH/USD. The system calculates the net position and margin requirements based on the combined exposure. If the BTC/USD position is worth $10,000 and the ETH/USD position is worth $8,000, the net position is $2,000, and the margin requirement is calculated based on this net exposure.

• In Position-by-Position mode: You open a long position in BTC/USD and a short position in ETH/USD. Each position has its own margin requirement and PnL calculation. The margin requirement for the BTC/USD position is calculated separately from the margin requirement for the ETH/USD position. If the BTC/USD position requires $1,000 in margin and the ETH/USD position requires $800 in margin, the total margin requirement is $1,800, regardless of the net position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I switch between Full Position and Position-by-Position modes while I have open positions?

A: Yes, you can switch between modes on OKX, but be aware that switching modes may affect your margin requirements and PnL calculations. It is recommended to close all positions before switching modes to avoid any unexpected changes.

Q: Are there any fees associated with switching between Full Position and Position-by-Position modes?

A: OKX does not charge any fees for switching between these modes. However, you should always check the platform's fee structure, as it may change.

Q: Can I use both Full Position and Position-by-Position modes for different contracts on the same account?

A: No, you can only use one mode per account. If you want to use different modes for different contracts, you would need to create separate accounts on OKX.

Q: How does the choice of mode affect my trading performance?

A: The choice of mode can significantly impact your trading performance, particularly in terms of margin efficiency and risk management. Full Position mode can be more efficient in terms of margin usage but may expose you to higher risk due to the netting of positions. Position-by-Position mode provides more control and isolation of positions, which can help manage risk but may require higher overall margin.