What is the initial margin on Bybit?

Bybit's initial margin is the minimum collateral needed to open a leveraged position, calculated as position size divided by leverage, and varies by market and margin mode.

Jul 23, 2025 at 01:35 am

Understanding Initial Margin on Bybit

The initial margin on Bybit refers to the minimum amount of collateral required to open a leveraged position in either spot, futures, or perpetual contracts. This value is expressed as a percentage of the total position size and varies depending on the selected leverage level. For instance, if a trader chooses 10x leverage, the initial margin requirement would be 10% of the position value. Higher leverage reduces the initial margin needed but increases liquidation risk. Bybit allows users to adjust leverage within permissible limits for each contract type, directly influencing the initial margin.

Each trading pair on Bybit has specific margin requirements based on volatility, market conditions, and risk parameters set by the exchange. The system calculates the initial margin automatically when placing an order, provided that sufficient funds exist in the designated wallet—either Unified Margin Account or Isolated Margin mode. Users must ensure their account balance meets or exceeds this threshold before execution; otherwise, the trade will be rejected due to insufficient margin.

Differences Between Isolated and Cross Margin Modes

Bybit offers two primary margin modes: Isolated Margin and Cross Margin. In Isolated Margin, the initial margin is fixed and allocated exclusively to a single position. Any changes in leverage affect only that particular trade. Traders can manually adjust leverage and thereby modify the initial margin commitment without impacting other open positions.

In contrast, Cross Margin uses the entire available balance in the wallet as potential collateral. While there isn’t a fixed "initial margin" per se, the system dynamically allocates necessary margin from the total equity. This mode may reduce the chance of liquidation under volatile conditions since additional funds act as buffer support. However, it also means losses could deplete more capital compared to isolated setups.

When opening a position, traders must select the appropriate mode based on risk tolerance. Misunderstanding these settings might lead to unexpected outcomes, especially during high volatility events where margin requirements are recalculated in real time.

How to Calculate Initial Margin on Bybit

Calculating the initial margin involves straightforward arithmetic based on position size and leverage. Follow these steps:

• Determine the contract value (number of contracts × mark price)
• Identify the chosen leverage multiplier (e.g., 20x, 50x)
• Divide the contract value by the leverage to get the initial margin

For example, suppose you're buying 1 BTCUSD perpetual contract at $60,000 with 20x leverage:

• Contract value = 1 × $60,000 = $60,000
• Leverage = 20x
• Initial margin = $60,000 ÷ 20 = $3,000

This result indicates the exact amount required to initiate the trade. On the Bybit interface, this calculation appears automatically once inputs like quantity and leverage are entered. Always verify displayed values before confirming trades.

Setting Up a Trade with Correct Initial Margin

To successfully place a leveraged trade on Bybit while meeting initial margin requirements, follow this procedure:

• Log into your Bybit account and navigate to the Derivatives section
• Select the desired market (e.g., USDT Perpetual, Inverse Futures)
• Choose between Isolated or Cross Margin mode using the toggle switch
• Enter the order size (in USD or number of contracts)
• Adjust the leverage slider to preferred level (visible above the order panel)
• Confirm that the Available Balance shown is greater than or equal to the required initial margin
• Place the order (Limit, Market, or Conditional)

If the available balance falls below the initial margin, Bybit displays an error such as “Insufficient Balance.” To resolve this, increase your wallet funds, reduce order size, or raise leverage (within allowed maximums). Note that certain high-leverage tiers require completing enhanced KYC verification.

Risks Associated with Initial Margin Requirements

Failing to maintain adequate margin exposes traders to forced closures. Even if the initial margin was sufficient at entry, adverse price movements can trigger maintenance margin breaches. Bybit monitors Margin Ratio continuously—the ratio of equity to liability. When this drops to the maintenance threshold, a margin call occurs. If not addressed, automatic liquidation follows.

High leverage lowers the initial margin but shrinks the buffer against price swings. A 1% move against a 100x leveraged position can erase the entire margin. Volatile assets like altcoins often have higher maintenance margins, demanding larger initial commitments relative to stablecoin pairs.

Additionally, funding fees in perpetual contracts indirectly influence effective margin usage over time. Long positions pay or receive funding every 8 hours; negative rates erode equity gradually, potentially pushing margin levels closer to danger zones even without price movement.

FAQs About Initial Margin on Bybit

Q: Can I change the initial margin after opening a position?

A: In Isolated Margin mode, you can add more margin to strengthen your position. Go to the active position panel, click “Add/Reduce Margin,” and transfer additional funds. You cannot decrease margin below the maintenance level. In Cross Margin, no direct adjustment is possible because margin draws dynamically from available balance.

Q: Does initial margin differ between coin-margined and USDT-margined contracts?

A: Yes. USDT-margined contracts use stablecoins for margin calculations, making values easier to track. Coin-margined contracts require payment in the base cryptocurrency (e.g., BTC, ETH), so fluctuations in the coin’s value impact effective margin. Always check denomination before trading.

Q: What happens if my balance exactly matches the initial margin requirement?

A: The trade will execute, but the position becomes extremely vulnerable. With no excess equity, even minor price shifts may breach maintenance margin, leading to immediate liquidation. It is advisable to maintain a buffer beyond the initial margin.

Q: Where can I view the initial margin for a pending order?

A: Hover over or tap the “Estimated Initial Margin” field in the order placement box. This updates in real time as you modify size or leverage. On mobile apps, expand the advanced options panel to see detailed margin breakdowns including fees and insurance fund contributions.