Funded Account Growth Calculator
Project funded account growth over time factoring in profit targets and scaling plans. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Reviewed for accuracy by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer
Funded Account Growth Calculator
Calculator
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Formula: Monthly Payout = Account Size x Monthly Return x Profit Split x Withdrawal %
Worked example — After 12 months: Account grows to ~$300K | Total payouts: ~$38,000 | 6 scale-ups achieved
Formula
Monthly Payout = Account Size x Monthly Return x Profit Split x Withdrawal %
Each month, gross profit is calculated as account size times monthly return rate. The trader receives their profit split percentage, then withdraws a portion and reinvests the rest. When cumulative returns reach the scaling threshold, account size is multiplied by the scaling factor.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Standard $100K Account Growth Over 12 Months
Problem:A trader has a $100,000 funded account with 80% profit split, 5% monthly return, 50% withdrawal rate, and 10% scaling threshold with 1.25x multiplier.
Solution:Month 1-2: $100K x 5% = $5,000/mo gross, $4,000 trader share, $2,000 payout Cumulative return after Month 2: 10% = scaling triggered Month 3: Account scales to $125K, resets cumulative Month 3-4: $125K x 5% = $6,250/mo gross, $5,000 trader share, $2,500 payout Cumulative after Month 4: 10% = scaling again to $156,250 Continues scaling every 2 months at 5% monthly
Result:After 12 months: Account grows to ~$300K | Total payouts: ~$38,000 | 6 scale-ups achieved
Example 2: Conservative $50K Account With Full Reinvestment
Problem:A trader has a $50,000 account, 3% monthly return, 80% split, 0% withdrawal (full reinvestment), 10% threshold, 1.25x scaling.
Solution:Months 1-4: $50K x 3% = $1,500/mo gross, all reinvested Cumulative return after ~3.3 months: 10% = scaling Month 4: Account scales to $62,500 Months 4-7: $62,500 x 3% = $1,875/mo gross Scaling again around Month 7 to $78,125 All profit stays in account, accelerating scaling
Result:After 12 months: Account grows to ~$120K | Total accumulated profit: ~$25,000 | 3-4 scale-ups
Frequently Asked Questions
How does funded account growth work with prop firms?
Funded account growth with prop firms follows a specific progression model where traders start with an initial account size and can scale up based on consistent performance. After passing a challenge or evaluation, traders receive a funded account (typically ranging from $10,000 to $400,000) with specific rules about drawdown limits, profit targets, and trading restrictions. As traders demonstrate consistent profitability, many firms offer scaling plans that increase the account size by 25 to 100 percent at defined profit milestones. Profits are shared between the trader and the firm at ratios typically ranging from 70/30 to 90/10 in the trader's favor. This model allows skilled traders to access significant capital without risking their own money.
What is a typical profit split at major prop firms?
Profit splits at major prop firms typically range from 70 percent to 90 percent in favor of the trader, with some firms offering up to 90 percent on higher-tier accounts. FTMO offers 80 percent as standard, with 90 percent available through their scaling plan. MyFundedFX provides 80 percent from the start. Funded Next offers 80 percent on evaluation accounts and up to 90 percent on express accounts. True Forex Funds provides 80 percent standard profit split. The profit split only applies to the trader's net profit after each trading period, and most firms have a minimum trading day requirement before profits can be withdrawn. Some firms also offer higher splits as part of their scaling program to reward consistent performers.
How do scaling plans work at prop firms?
Scaling plans at prop firms increase the account size when traders meet specific profit milestones. The typical structure requires the trader to achieve a cumulative profit target (often 10 to 15 percent of account size) over a defined period while maintaining consistent performance. Once the threshold is met, the firm increases the account size by a multiplier, commonly 25 percent to 100 percent. For example, at FTMO, achieving a 10 percent cumulative profit with a minimum of four months of trading triggers a 25 percent account size increase. Some firms have multiple scaling tiers, allowing accounts to grow from $100,000 to $400,000 or even $2,000,000 over time. Scaling is automatic at most firms once the conditions are met.
What monthly return is realistic for funded account trading?
Realistic monthly returns for funded account trading range from 2 to 8 percent, with 3 to 5 percent being the most sustainable target for consistent traders. While some traders achieve 10 percent or more in individual months, maintaining that level consistently while staying within drawdown limits is extremely difficult. Prop firm rules typically cap daily drawdown at 4 to 5 percent and overall drawdown at 8 to 12 percent, which naturally limits how aggressively traders can pursue returns. A trader averaging 4 percent monthly on a $100,000 account with an 80 percent profit split earns $3,200 per month before taxes. The key is consistency rather than maximum returns, as losing the account to a drawdown violation resets all progress.
Should I withdraw all profits or reinvest them?
The optimal withdrawal strategy depends on your financial situation and trading goals. Withdrawing all profits provides immediate income but does not contribute to account growth through the scaling plan. Reinvesting profits (leaving them in the account) accelerates reaching scaling thresholds and increases future earning potential. A balanced approach withdrawing 50 to 70 percent while leaving the remainder to build toward scaling milestones works well for most traders. Consider your monthly expenses, emergency fund status, and how close you are to a scaling threshold when deciding. Many successful prop firm traders follow a rule of withdrawing enough to cover living expenses while letting the excess compound. This balanced approach maximizes long-term earning potential while maintaining financial stability.
What happens if I lose a funded account?
If you violate the drawdown rules of your funded account, the account is typically terminated and you lose access to the capital. You do not owe money to the prop firm since you traded with their capital, but any unrealized profits are forfeited. Most firms allow you to repurchase a new challenge at a discounted price (typically 10 to 20 percent off). Some firms offer free retries or reset options as part of their subscription models. The financial impact is the loss of your challenge fee (typically $300 to $2,000 depending on account size) plus the time invested. To minimize this risk, many traders start with smaller account sizes to develop their strategy before scaling up. Having multiple funded accounts across different firms also provides diversification against account loss.
How do taxes work on prop firm payouts?
Prop firm payouts are generally treated as self-employment income or independent contractor income in most tax jurisdictions, not as capital gains. In the United States, you would report payouts on Schedule C as business income, subject to both income tax and self-employment tax (approximately 15.3 percent for Social Security and Medicare). The challenge fees and any business-related expenses (trading software, education, equipment) are deductible against this income. Some traders structure their prop firm trading through an LLC or S-Corp for tax optimization. Keep detailed records of all payouts, challenge fees, and trading-related expenses. Tax treatment varies significantly by country, so consulting a tax professional familiar with trading income is strongly recommended before your first withdrawal.
How many funded accounts can I have simultaneously?
Most prop firms allow traders to hold multiple funded accounts simultaneously, though there are usually limits. FTMO allows up to $400,000 in total funded capital across multiple accounts. MyFundedFX permits up to $600,000. Some firms allow multiple accounts at the same size. Managing multiple funded accounts can significantly increase total earning potential but also increases the complexity and mental load of trading. Traders typically manage 2 to 4 accounts from the same firm, often using similar strategies across all accounts. Some traders diversify by holding accounts at different firms with different rules, which provides a safety net if one firm changes its terms. The key challenge is maintaining consistent risk management across all accounts without compromising performance on any single one.
What is the best account size to start with at a prop firm?
The best starting account size depends on your experience level, capital for challenge fees, and income goals. For beginners, $25,000 to $50,000 accounts are recommended because the challenge fees are lower ($200 to $400) and the drawdown limits in dollar terms provide more room for learning. For experienced traders, $100,000 to $200,000 accounts offer meaningful income potential with 80 percent profit splits and 4 to 5 percent monthly returns generating $3,200 to $8,000 per month. The challenge fee for a $100,000 account is typically $500 to $600, which is relatively affordable considering the potential income. Avoid starting with the maximum account size unless you have extensive experience, as the pressure of managing larger positions can negatively impact trading psychology and decision-making.
How long does it typically take to scale a funded account?
Scaling a funded account typically takes 4 to 8 months per tier, depending on the firm's requirements and your consistency. At FTMO, the first scale-up requires a minimum of 4 months and a cumulative 10 percent profit, which at 3 percent monthly means approximately 4 months. Subsequent scale-ups follow similar timelines. Growing a $100,000 account to $400,000 through their scaling plan would take approximately 16 to 24 months of consistent profitable trading. At firms with more aggressive scaling plans, this timeline can be shorter. The biggest factor is consistency rather than speed because aggressive attempts to hit scaling targets faster often lead to drawdown violations. Successful traders approach scaling as a marathon rather than a sprint, prioritizing capital preservation and steady growth.
References
Reviewed for accuracy by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer · Editorial policy
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