What are the position modes of KuCoin contract? What is the difference between full position and position by position?

KuCoin offers Full Position Mode, treating all positions as one, and Position by Position Mode, managing each trade separately, affecting risk and margin requirements.

May 02, 2025 at 10:42 pm

KuCoin, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, offers a variety of trading options for users, including futures and perpetual contracts. Within the KuCoin contract trading platform, users can choose between different position modes, which significantly affect how they manage their trades. The two primary position modes available are Full Position Mode and Position by Position Mode. Understanding the differences between these modes is crucial for traders to effectively manage their risk and optimize their trading strategies.

What is Full Position Mode?

Full Position Mode on KuCoin allows traders to manage all their positions in a single account, treating the entire account balance as one unified position. This mode simplifies the trading process as it aggregates all open positions into one net position, making it easier to monitor and manage overall exposure.

In Full Position Mode, if a trader has multiple open positions in the same trading pair, these positions are netted against each other. For example, if a trader has an open long position of 10 BTC and an open short position of 5 BTC, the net position will be a long position of 5 BTC. This netting can help reduce margin requirements and simplify position management.

However, the downside of Full Position Mode is that it can lead to higher risk if not managed properly. Since all positions are treated as one, a significant move in the market can affect the entire account balance. Traders need to be cautious and ensure they have adequate risk management strategies in place when using this mode.

What is Position by Position Mode?

Position by Position Mode, also known as Isolated Margin Mode, allows traders to manage each position independently. In this mode, each open position is treated as a separate entity with its own margin and risk management settings. This provides traders with more control over individual positions, allowing them to allocate specific amounts of margin to each trade.

In Position by Position Mode, if a trader opens multiple positions in the same trading pair, each position will have its own margin requirement and will not be netted against each other. For instance, if a trader opens a long position of 10 BTC and a short position of 5 BTC, both positions will be maintained separately, with their respective margin requirements.

The advantage of Position by Position Mode is that it allows for more precise risk management. Traders can set stop-loss and take-profit orders for each position independently, reducing the risk of a single position impacting the entire account. This mode is particularly useful for traders who engage in multiple strategies or want to isolate the risk of each trade.

However, the downside is that managing multiple positions can be more complex and time-consuming. Traders need to monitor each position closely and ensure that each has sufficient margin to avoid liquidation.

Key Differences Between Full Position and Position by Position Mode

The primary difference between Full Position Mode and Position by Position Mode lies in how positions are managed and the level of risk control offered. In Full Position Mode, all positions are netted and managed as a single entity, which can simplify trading but may increase overall risk. In contrast, Position by Position Mode treats each position independently, providing more control over risk but requiring more active management.

Another key difference is the margin requirement. In Full Position Mode, the margin requirement is based on the net position, which can be lower if there are offsetting positions. In Position by Position Mode, each position has its own margin requirement, which can be higher overall but allows for more precise risk allocation.

Traders should choose the mode that best aligns with their trading strategy and risk tolerance. Those who prefer a simpler trading experience and are comfortable with managing a single net position may opt for Full Position Mode. Traders who want more control over individual positions and are willing to manage multiple positions separately may prefer Position by Position Mode.

How to Switch Between Position Modes on KuCoin

Switching between Full Position Mode and Position by Position Mode on KuCoin is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to change the position mode:

• Log in to your KuCoin account and navigate to the futures trading section.
• Select the trading pair you want to trade.
• Click on the settings icon or the position mode button, usually located at the top of the trading interface.
• Choose the desired position mode from the dropdown menu. You can select either Full Position Mode or Position by Position Mode.
• Confirm the change and wait for the system to apply the new position mode.

It is important to note that changing the position mode will not affect existing open positions. However, any new positions opened after the change will be subject to the new mode.

Choosing the Right Position Mode for Your Trading Strategy

Selecting the appropriate position mode is crucial for aligning your trading strategy with your risk management goals. Full Position Mode is suitable for traders who prefer a more straightforward approach to managing their positions. It is ideal for those who engage in fewer trades and want to simplify their trading process. This mode can be beneficial for traders who use hedging strategies, as it allows for easy netting of positions.

On the other hand, Position by Position Mode is better suited for traders who want more granular control over their trades. This mode is ideal for those who engage in multiple trading strategies simultaneously or want to isolate the risk of each position. It is particularly useful for traders who frequently adjust their positions and need precise risk management tools.

When choosing a position mode, consider your trading frequency, risk tolerance, and the complexity of your trading strategies. Evaluate how each mode can help you achieve your trading goals and manage your risk effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I switch between Full Position Mode and Position by Position Mode while I have open positions?

A1: Yes, you can switch between position modes on KuCoin at any time. However, the change will only apply to new positions opened after the switch. Existing open positions will remain under the original position mode.

Q2: Does changing the position mode affect my margin requirements?

A2: Changing the position mode will affect the margin requirements for new positions. In Full Position Mode, the margin requirement is based on the net position, which can be lower if there are offsetting positions. In Position by Position Mode, each position has its own margin requirement, which can be higher overall but allows for more precise risk allocation.

Q3: Can I use both Full Position Mode and Position by Position Mode simultaneously on KuCoin?

A3: No, you can only use one position mode at a time on KuCoin. You need to choose either Full Position Mode or Position by Position Mode for your trading account. However, you can switch between modes as needed.

Q4: How does the position mode affect my ability to use stop-loss and take-profit orders?

A4: In Full Position Mode, stop-loss and take-profit orders apply to the net position. In Position by Position Mode, you can set stop-loss and take-profit orders for each position independently, providing more flexibility in managing individual trades.