How to set leverage for Bybit contracts? What risks should be paid attention to when trading?

Bybit allows traders to set leverage up to 100x on contracts, but high leverage increases risks like liquidation and margin calls, so careful management is crucial.

May 17, 2025 at 07:00 am

Trading on Bybit, a popular cryptocurrency derivatives exchange, involves using leverage to amplify potential returns on futures contracts. Setting the right leverage and understanding the associated risks are crucial for any trader. This article will guide you through the process of setting leverage on Bybit contracts and highlight the key risks you should be aware of when trading.

Understanding Leverage on Bybit

Leverage on Bybit allows traders to control a larger position with a smaller amount of capital. Bybit offers leverage up to 100x on certain contracts, which means you can trade with up to 100 times the amount of your initial margin. However, while leverage can magnify profits, it can also significantly increase potential losses.

How to Set Leverage on Bybit

Setting leverage on Bybit is a straightforward process, but it requires careful consideration. Here’s how you can do it:

• Log into your Bybit account and navigate to the trading interface.
• Select the contract you wish to trade. Bybit offers various types of contracts, including inverse perpetual contracts and USDT perpetual contracts.
• Click on the "Leverage" button located on the trading interface. This will open a window where you can adjust your leverage.
• Choose your desired leverage level from the available options. Bybit allows you to set leverage in increments, typically ranging from 1x to 100x, depending on the contract.
• Confirm your selection by clicking "Confirm" or "OK." Your leverage setting will now be applied to your trading position.

Risks Associated with Trading on Bybit

Trading with leverage on Bybit comes with several risks that traders must be aware of:

• Liquidation Risk: When trading with high leverage, even small price movements can lead to significant losses. If the market moves against your position, you may face liquidation, where Bybit automatically closes your position to prevent further losses.
• Margin Calls: If the value of your position falls below the maintenance margin requirement, you may receive a margin call. You will need to deposit additional funds to maintain your position, or it will be liquidated.
• Volatility Risk: Cryptocurrency markets are known for their high volatility. This can lead to rapid price swings that can quickly erode your margin and lead to liquidation.
• Counterparty Risk: Bybit acts as the counterparty to all trades on its platform. While Bybit is a reputable exchange, there is always a risk that the platform could face financial difficulties, which could impact your trades.

Managing Risks When Trading on Bybit

To mitigate the risks associated with trading on Bybit, consider the following strategies:

• Use Lower Leverage: While high leverage can be tempting, using lower leverage can help reduce the risk of liquidation. Consider starting with lower leverage and gradually increasing it as you gain more experience.
• Set Stop-Loss Orders: A stop-loss order can help limit your losses by automatically closing your position if the market moves against you. Bybit allows you to set stop-loss orders directly from the trading interface.
• Monitor Your Positions: Keep a close eye on your open positions and the market conditions. Regular monitoring can help you react quickly to adverse market movements.
• Diversify Your Portfolio: Don’t put all your capital into a single trade. Diversifying your portfolio across different assets and strategies can help spread risk.

Practical Example of Setting Leverage and Trading

Let’s walk through a practical example of setting leverage and executing a trade on Bybit:

• Log into your Bybit account and navigate to the trading interface.
• Select the BTCUSD Perpetual Contract for this example.
• Click on the "Leverage" button and set your leverage to 10x.
• Confirm your leverage setting.
• Enter the amount you want to trade in the "Order" section. For example, if you want to trade $100 worth of BTCUSD, enter $100.
• Choose your order type. You can choose between a market order, which executes immediately at the current market price, or a limit order, which executes at a specified price.
• Click "Buy" or "Sell" depending on your market outlook. For this example, let’s assume you are bullish on Bitcoin and choose to "Buy."
• Monitor your position and be prepared to adjust your strategy based on market movements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I change my leverage setting after opening a position on Bybit?

A: Yes, you can change your leverage setting after opening a position on Bybit. To do this, go to the "Positions" tab, select the position you want to adjust, and click on the "Leverage" button to change the leverage level. Keep in mind that changing leverage on an open position may affect your margin requirements and could lead to a margin call if the new leverage level is not supported by your current margin.

Q: What is the difference between cross margin and isolated margin on Bybit?

A: Cross margin and isolated margin are two different margin modes offered by Bybit. Cross margin uses your entire account balance to support your positions, which can help prevent liquidation but also puts your entire account at risk. Isolated margin, on the other hand, allocates a specific amount of margin to each position, limiting the risk to that specific position. You can switch between these modes in the "Positions" tab by selecting the position and choosing the desired margin mode.

Q: How does Bybit handle liquidations?

A: Bybit uses an automatic liquidation system to manage liquidations. If the value of your position falls below the maintenance margin requirement, Bybit will initiate a liquidation process to close your position and prevent further losses. Bybit also offers a risk limit feature, which sets a maximum loss threshold for each position. If the loss exceeds this threshold, the position will be liquidated. You can view and adjust your risk limit in the "Positions" tab.

Q: Are there any fees associated with trading on Bybit?

A: Yes, Bybit charges several types of fees for trading. Trading fees include a maker fee and a taker fee, which vary depending on your trading volume and whether you are a maker (adding liquidity) or a taker (removing liquidity). Funding fees are also charged for perpetual contracts, which are paid or received based on the difference between the perpetual contract price and the spot price. You can find detailed information on Bybit's fee structure on their official website.