The ruleset
| Account sizes | $10k · $25k · $50k · $100k · $200k |
| Eval cost (mid tier) | $540 |
| Phases | Two-phase |
| Profit target | 10% (P1) / 5% (P2) |
| Max drawdown | Static · 10% |
| Daily loss limit | 5% |
| Consistency rule | None |
| Min trading days | 4 |
| Max days | Unlimited |
| Profit split (funded) | 80% |
| Payout buffer | 1% |
| Min profitable days (funded) | 4 |
| Trailing on funded | No |
| Payout frequency | Every 14 days |
Simulated results
Three trader profiles, 10,000 simulated evaluations each against FTMO's exact rules. Pass rate is the eval only. Payout is conditional on passing. Joint withdrawal is the probability of reaching a first payout end-to-end. P&L is expected value over 50 attempted challenges at the mid-tier account.
Why traders fail this challenge
Failure breakdown from the balanced-archetype simulation. This is what typically ends a FTMO run — not what traders think ends it.
Rules explained
How FTMO's drawdown works
FTMO uses a static drawdown of 10% of the starting balance. Static drawdown is the friendliest structure — the floor doesn't move as you profit. See trailing drawdown explained for the full mechanics.
How the daily loss limit is calculated
FTMO caps intraday drawdown at 5% of the account. It's evaluated end-of-day on realised P&L, and a single losing session over the cap ends the challenge — not just the day.
Consistency rule
FTMO has no consistency rule on the standard evaluation. See the consistency rule explained for the full mechanics and how it changes your real pass rate.
Is FTMO worth it?
FTMO is the reference standard in forex prop — two phases, static drawdown, and the most consistent payout track record in the industry. The two-phase structure lowers raw pass rates, but funded traders who pass historically get paid. The 'default' choice; not the cheapest, not the most generous, but the most reliable.
Frequently asked
What is FTMO's trailing drawdown?+
FTMO uses a static drawdown of 10% of the starting balance. This is the single biggest driver of long-run pass rate for most traders.
What win rate do you need to pass FTMO?+
Not a fixed number. Our simulator runs three archetypes against FTMO's exact rules: the balanced 50%-win-rate trader passes 20.3% of the time; the scalper archetype and swing archetype produce meaningfully different numbers on the firm page above. Passing is a function of edge, variance, and how the ruleset punishes lumpy P&L — not win rate in isolation.
How much does FTMO cost long-term?+
The mid-tier FTMO evaluation is $540. Over 50 attempted challenges, our balanced-archetype simulation nets -$19.3k — that's eval fees paid on failures netted against payouts collected on the joint 11.0% of runs that reach a withdrawal.
Does FTMO have a consistency rule?+
No consistency rule on the evaluation. Verify current terms — firms add and remove these rules regularly.
Is FTMO worth it in 2026?+
FTMO is the reference standard in forex prop — two phases, static drawdown, and the most consistent payout track record in the industry. The two-phase structure lowers raw pass rates, but funded traders who pass historically get paid. The 'default' choice; not the cheapest, not the most generous, but the most reliable.
Run YOUR numbers against FTMO's ruleset
The archetypes above are examples. Feed your own win rate, average win/loss and trades per day into the simulator to see your real pass and payout probability at FTMO.
Run my simulationCompare forex firms
Based on publicly listed rules as of 2026-07-15. Independent — not affiliated with FTMO. Rules change; verify with the firm before paying. Simulations are estimates based on a barrier-crossing model of daily P&L, not guarantees.