What is the maximum leverage for Bybit contracts?

Understanding Leverage in Bybit Derivatives Trading

Leverage in cryptocurrency derivatives trading allows traders to control a larger position using a relatively small amount of capital. On Bybit, a leading cryptocurrency derivatives exchange, leverage is a core feature for both USDT-margined and inverse contracts. The maximum leverage available depends on the specific product being traded, including the type of contract, the underlying asset, and the position size. Traders must understand that while high leverage can amplify profits, it also increases the risk of liquidation.

Maximum Leverage for USDT-Margined Contracts

For USDT-margined perpetual contracts, Bybit offers up to 100x leverage on major cryptocurrencies such as BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT, and other top-tier altcoins. This level of leverage is available for smaller position sizes. As the position size increases, the maximum allowable leverage decreases to mitigate systemic risk. For example:

• Positions under 10 BTC can use up to 100x leverage.
• Positions between 10 and 50 BTC may be limited to 50x.
• Larger positions, such as over 100 BTC, may only allow 10x or lower.

This tiered system ensures risk control and market stability. To adjust leverage on USDT-margined contracts:

• Navigate to the trading interface.
• Locate the leverage slider beneath the order entry panel.
• Select the desired level from 1x to 100x.
• Confirm the change; the system will instantly update margin allocation.

Note that leverage adjustments do not affect open positions unless 'Auto-Deleverage' is triggered during extreme market conditions.

Leverage Limits for Inverse Perpetual Contracts

Inverse perpetual contracts on Bybit, denominated in the cryptocurrency itself (e.g., BTCUSD), have different leverage caps. The maximum leverage for BTCUSD is 100x, similar to USDT-margined pairs. However, for less liquid inverse contracts such as EOSUSD or XRPUSD, the maximum leverage is typically capped at 50x or 25x, depending on the asset and trading volume.

To set leverage on inverse contracts:

• Open the desired inverse contract market (e.g., BTCUSD).
• Find the leverage adjustment tool near the margin mode selector.
• Choose from available tiers (e.g., 1x, 10x, 25x, 50x, 100x).
• The system recalculates margin requirements and liquidation price in real time.

Traders must monitor their initial margin and maintenance margin, as higher leverage reduces the buffer against price volatility.

How Leverage Affects Liquidation Price

The liquidation price is the price at which a leveraged position is automatically closed by the exchange to prevent further losses. Higher leverage significantly impacts this value. For a long position, increased leverage brings the liquidation price closer to the entry price. For example:

• A 1 BTC long at $30,000 with 10x leverage may have a liquidation price near $27,000.
• The same position with 100x leverage could liquidate below $29,700.

Bybit provides a liquidation price calculator in the trading interface. Users can:

• Input desired position size and entry price.
• Adjust leverage using the slider.
• Observe real-time updates to the liquidation price.
• Switch between cross margin and isolated margin modes to see differences in risk exposure.

In isolated margin mode, the maximum loss is limited to the allocated margin. In cross margin mode, the entire wallet balance may be used to prevent liquidation, but this does not change the maximum leverage available.

Adjusting Leverage: Step-by-Step Instructions

Changing leverage on Bybit is straightforward but requires attention to current positions and margin mode. Follow these steps:

• Log in to your Bybit account.
• Select the contract market (e.g., BTC/USDT).
• Ensure no active orders or open positions are conflicting with the change.
• Click the leverage display (e.g., '10x') below the order panel.
• A pop-up appears showing available leverage tiers.
• Slide or click to select a new level (e.g., 50x).
• Confirm the change; the interface updates margin ratio and liquidation price.

If a position is open, Bybit may restrict leverage reduction below a certain threshold to prevent immediate liquidation. In such cases:

• Reduce position size first.
• Then adjust leverage.
• Re-enter the desired position size if needed.

Note that leverage settings are per-pair and per-margin mode, meaning changing BTC/USDT leverage does not affect ETH/USDT.

Risk Management with High Leverage

Trading with 100x leverage demands strict risk management. Even small price movements can trigger liquidation. Recommended practices include:

• Setting stop-loss orders to limit downside.
• Using take-profit levels to secure gains before volatility spikes.
• Avoiding full margin utilization; leave a buffer for price swings.
• Monitoring funding rates and mark price deviations.

Bybit displays a risk limit table for large positions, where multiple tiers apply different leverage caps and initial margin requirements. Traders in higher tiers must post more collateral to maintain the same leverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 100x leverage on all cryptocurrencies on Bybit?No. 100x leverage is only available for major assets like BTC, ETH, and BNB in both USDT-margined and inverse contracts. Altcoins such as ADA, SOL, or DOT typically have a maximum of 50x or 20x, depending on liquidity and volatility. Check the specific contract’s info page for exact limits.

Does Bybit automatically reduce my leverage for large positions?Yes. Bybit employs a tiered margin system. As your position size grows, the maximum allowed leverage decreases automatically. For instance, a 50 BTC position in BTC/USDT may only permit 25x leverage, even if the default maximum is 100x. This adjustment occurs during order placement.

What happens if I try to open a position exceeding the leverage limit?The system will block the order. Bybit displays an error message such as 'Exceeded maximum leverage for current position size'. To proceed, reduce the order quantity or accept a lower leverage level. The order cannot be submitted until compliance is achieved.

Is leverage the same in cross and isolated margin modes?Yes. The maximum leverage (e.g., 100x) is identical in both cross and isolated margin modes. However, risk exposure differs. In isolated mode, only the allocated margin is at risk. In cross mode, the entire balance supports the position, but leverage limits remain unchanged.