How to manage multiple open positions on Bybit contracts?

Understanding Multiple Open Positions on Bybit

When trading futures contracts on Bybit, users have the ability to hold multiple open positions simultaneously in the same or different trading pairs. This functionality is particularly useful for traders who want to diversify risk, hedge existing positions, or capitalize on different market conditions. Bybit supports both hedge mode and one-way mode, each affecting how multiple positions are managed. In hedge mode, traders can open long and short positions in the same symbol at the same time, allowing for complex strategies. In one-way mode, all positions in a single symbol are netted into a single direction—either long or short.

The ability to maintain multiple open positions hinges on the selected position mode. To verify or switch your mode, navigate to the contract trading interface, click the settings icon (gear symbol), and select your preferred position mode. It is crucial to understand that changing the mode will close all existing positions, so this should be done only when no active trades are open.

Setting Up Position Mode Correctly

Before managing multiple positions, ensure your account is configured correctly:

• Log in to your Bybit account and go to the Derivatives section.
• Select the contract type—USDT-margined or Inverse—depending on your strategy.
• Click the Settings (gear) icon located near the trading chart.
• Choose Hedge Mode if you intend to hold both long and short positions in the same asset.
• Confirm the change. Note: this action cannot be performed with active positions.

Once in hedge mode, each position operates independently. This means entry price, liquidation price, leverage, and margin are calculated separately for each position. This isolation allows for granular control but requires careful monitoring to avoid margin issues.

Monitoring and Adjusting Leverage Per Position

On Bybit, leverage can be adjusted independently for each open position when in hedge mode. This flexibility helps manage risk exposure across different trades.

To adjust leverage for a specific position:

• Go to the Positions tab on the trading interface.
• Locate the specific open position you wish to modify.
• Click the Edit button next to the leverage display.
• Enter the desired leverage value (e.g., 10x, 25x).
• Confirm the change.

It is important to note that increasing leverage raises both potential gains and the risk of liquidation. Always ensure your maintenance margin requirements are met after leverage adjustments. The system will display updated liquidation price and ROE% in real time as you modify leverage.

Adding or Reducing Margin for Individual Positions

Each position in hedge mode has its own isolated margin. Traders can add or reduce margin to improve the liquidation price or free up capital.

To add margin to a position:

• Find the position in the Positions tab.
• Click Add Margin.
• Enter the amount of USDT (or coin, for inverse contracts) to allocate.
• Confirm the transaction.

To reduce margin:

• Click Reduce Margin on the same position.
• Specify the amount to withdraw.
• Confirm. Note: the remaining margin must still meet maintenance margin requirements.

If the available balance is insufficient when adding margin, deposit funds into your futures wallet first. Margin adjustments directly affect the bankruptcy price and liquidation threshold, so monitor these values closely after any changes.

Using Conditional and Limit Orders Alongside Open Positions

Managing multiple positions effectively involves using conditional orders such as take-profit and stop-loss, as well as limit entries, to automate risk management.

To set a take-profit or stop-loss on an existing position:

• Open the Positions tab.
• Click Edit next to the TP/SL field for the desired position.
• Enter the trigger price for stop-loss and/or take-profit.
• Choose Last Price or Mark Price as the trigger source.
• Confirm.

For limit orders to open new positions:

• Switch to the Limit order type in the order panel.
• Set the desired entry price and quantity.
• Select Post-Only if you want to avoid taker fees.
• Place the order. It will appear in the Open Orders section.

These orders do not interfere with existing positions and can be used to build new ones when market conditions align. You can have multiple limit orders active across different symbols or directions.

Viewing and Closing Specific Positions

When multiple positions are open, it is essential to identify and close them selectively.

To close a single position:

• Go to the Positions tab.
• Locate the position you want to close.
• Click Close.
• Choose Market or Limit execution.
• Confirm the order.

Closing one position does not affect others in hedge mode. If you use Market close, the position is liquidated instantly at the current market price. With Limit, you set a target price, and the order remains open until filled.

You can also partially close a position by entering a quantity less than the full size. This is useful for taking partial profits while maintaining exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from hedge mode to one-way mode with open positions?No. Bybit requires all positions to be closed before switching between hedge mode and one-way mode. Attempting to change mode with active trades will result in an error.

How is liquidation price calculated for each position in hedge mode?Each position has an independent liquidation price based on its entry price, leverage, fees, and maintenance margin rate. The formula accounts for the point at which the wallet balance cannot cover losses. This value is displayed in real time under the Positions tab.

Does placing a new order affect my existing positions’ margin?No. In hedge mode, each position uses isolated margin. Opening a new position deducts margin from your available balance but does not alter the margin or liquidation parameters of other open positions.

Can I set different TP/SL for each leg of a hedged position?Yes. Each long or short position in hedge mode allows independent take-profit and stop-loss settings. You can tailor exit strategies for each position based on individual analysis.