What is the forced liquidation mechanism of Bybit contracts? How to avoid forced liquidation?

Bybit's forced liquidation mechanism protects traders and the exchange from excessive risk by automatically closing positions when margin levels fall below maintenance requirements.

May 19, 2025 at 02:57 am

The forced liquidation mechanism of Bybit contracts is a critical aspect of trading that every user must understand. Bybit is a popular cryptocurrency derivatives exchange that offers perpetual contracts, which allow traders to speculate on the price movements of various cryptocurrencies without an expiration date. Forced liquidation occurs when a trader's position is automatically closed by the exchange to prevent further losses when the account's margin level falls below the required maintenance margin. This mechanism is designed to protect both the trader and the exchange from excessive risk.

Understanding Forced Liquidation on Bybit

Forced liquidation is triggered when the unrealized losses on a trader's position exceed the available margin. Bybit uses a risk management system to ensure that positions are liquidated in an orderly manner. The exchange calculates the maintenance margin required to keep a position open, and if the account balance falls below this level, the position is liquidated. The maintenance margin is typically a percentage of the position's total value, and it varies depending on the leverage used and the asset being traded.

The Role of Leverage in Forced Liquidation

Leverage plays a significant role in the likelihood of forced liquidation. Bybit offers leverage up to 100x on certain contracts, which means traders can control large positions with a relatively small amount of capital. However, high leverage increases the risk of forced liquidation because even small price movements can lead to significant losses. Traders need to carefully manage their leverage to avoid being liquidated.

How Bybit Calculates Liquidation Price

Bybit calculates the liquidation price based on the position size, entry price, and the amount of margin in the account. The formula for the liquidation price is as follows:

[ \text{Liquidation Price} = \frac{\text{Entry Price} \times (1 \pm \text{Maintenance Margin Rate}) \pm \text{Maintenance Margin Amount}}{\text{1 \pm \text{Maintenance Margin Rate}}} ]

The plus or minus signs depend on whether the position is long or short. Understanding this formula can help traders predict when their positions might be liquidated and take appropriate action to avoid it.

Strategies to Avoid Forced Liquidation

To avoid forced liquidation, traders can employ several strategies. One effective method is to use stop-loss orders. A stop-loss order automatically closes a position when the price reaches a certain level, limiting potential losses. Traders can set stop-loss orders at a price that is above the liquidation price to ensure their positions are closed before reaching the point of liquidation.

Another strategy is to monitor the account's margin level closely. Bybit provides real-time data on the margin level, and traders should regularly check this to ensure they have sufficient margin to cover potential losses. If the margin level approaches the maintenance margin, traders can add more funds to their account or reduce their position size to increase the margin level.

Reducing leverage is also a crucial strategy to avoid forced liquidation. By using lower leverage, traders can withstand larger price movements without being liquidated. For example, instead of using 100x leverage, traders might opt for 10x or 20x leverage, which reduces the risk of liquidation.

Practical Steps to Manage Risk on Bybit

To effectively manage risk and avoid forced liquidation, traders can follow these practical steps:

• Set stop-loss orders: Use Bybit's trading interface to set stop-loss orders at a price that is above the liquidation price. To do this:

  • Navigate to the trading page on Bybit.
  • Select the contract you are trading.
  • Click on the "Order" tab.
  • Choose "Stop-Limit" order type.
  • Set the stop price and limit price to ensure the position is closed before reaching the liquidation price.
  • Confirm the order.

• Monitor margin level: Regularly check the margin level on Bybit's trading interface. To do this:

  • Go to the trading page.
  • Look at the "Position" tab.
  • Check the "Margin Level" indicator.
  • If the margin level is close to the maintenance margin, take action to increase it.

• Add more margin: If the margin level is low, add more funds to the account. To do this:

  • Go to the "Wallet" section on Bybit.
  • Click on "Deposit".
  • Choose the cryptocurrency you want to deposit.
  • Follow the instructions to transfer funds to your Bybit account.

• Reduce position size: If the margin level is low, consider reducing the size of your position. To do this:

  • Go to the trading page.
  • Click on the "Position" tab.
  • Select the position you want to reduce.
  • Click on "Close Position" and enter the amount you want to close.

• Use lower leverage: When opening a new position, choose a lower leverage level. To do this:

  • Go to the trading page.
  • Select the contract you want to trade.
  • Click on "Open Position".
  • Choose a lower leverage level from the dropdown menu.

Understanding Bybit's Risk Limit System

Bybit's risk limit system is another important factor in managing forced liquidation. The risk limit is a mechanism that adjusts the maximum position size a trader can hold based on the account's equity and the volatility of the market. As the market becomes more volatile, the risk limit decreases, which can lead to forced liquidation if the position size exceeds the new limit. Traders should be aware of the current risk limit and adjust their positions accordingly to avoid being liquidated.

The Impact of Market Volatility on Forced Liquidation

Market volatility can significantly impact the likelihood of forced liquidation. During periods of high volatility, prices can move rapidly, increasing the risk of liquidation. Traders should be cautious during these times and consider reducing their leverage and position sizes. Bybit provides tools such as the volatility index, which can help traders gauge the current level of market volatility and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I avoid forced liquidation by using a trailing stop-loss order?

A: Yes, a trailing stop-loss order can be an effective way to avoid forced liquidation. A trailing stop-loss order moves with the market price, allowing traders to lock in profits while limiting potential losses. To set a trailing stop-loss order on Bybit, follow these steps:

• Navigate to the trading page.
• Select the contract you are trading.
• Click on the "Order" tab.
• Choose "Trailing Stop" order type.
• Set the trailing amount and activation price.
• Confirm the order.

Q: What happens to my position if it is liquidated?

A: When your position is liquidated, Bybit will automatically close your position at the best available market price. Any remaining funds in your account after covering the losses will be returned to you. If the losses exceed your account balance, you may end up with a negative balance, which you will need to cover.

Q: How can I check my liquidation price on Bybit?

A: To check your liquidation price on Bybit, follow these steps:

• Go to the trading page.
• Click on the "Position" tab.
• Look for the "Liquidation Price" column, which displays the price at which your position will be liquidated.

Q: Is there a way to increase my maintenance margin on Bybit?

A: Yes, you can increase your maintenance margin by adding more funds to your account or reducing your position size. To add more funds, follow the steps mentioned earlier in the article. To reduce your position size, go to the trading page, click on the "Position" tab, select the position you want to reduce, and enter the amount you want to close.