In futures trading, leverage is a critically important setting. Set it too high and the risk is enormous; set it too low and the returns may feel underwhelming. Register on Binance and download the Binance APP, then let's look at how to adjust leverage.
What Is Leverage?
Simply put, leverage lets you control a larger position with a smaller amount of capital. For example, with 100 USDT and 10x leverage, you're effectively trading with 1,000 USDT.
- If the price goes up 1%, your profit is 10% (10x amplification)
- But conversely, if the price drops 1%, you also lose 10%
Leverage is a double-edged sword — it amplifies both gains and risks.
How to Adjust Leverage
On the APP
- Open the Binance APP and go to the "Futures" trading page
- Next to the trading pair name, you'll see a button showing the current leverage (e.g., "20x")
- Tap this button
- Drag the slider or type in the multiplier you want
- Tap confirm and you're set
On the Website
The process is similar — on the futures trading interface, click the leverage number, adjust in the popup window, and confirm.
Important Notes
Adjust Before Opening a Position
Set your leverage before opening a position. You can also adjust it with an existing position, but proceed with caution.
Maximum Leverage Varies by Coin
BTC/USDT supports up to 125x, but many smaller coins max out at 20x or 50x. The more mainstream the coin, the higher the available leverage.
Cross vs Isolated Margin Modes
Before adjusting leverage, also consider your margin mode:
- Cross margin: All positions share margin — if one loses, it draws from your other funds
- Isolated margin: Each position has independent margin — if liquidated, only that position's margin is lost
Beginners should use isolated margin mode for better risk control.
What Leverage Should Beginners Use?
Start with Low Leverage
If you're new to futures, start with 2x to 5x. This way, even if you get the direction wrong, you'll have enough room to manage the situation.
Don't Blindly Go High
You might see someone making a fortune with 100x leverage, but you don't see the far greater number of people who got liquidated and lost everything with 100x. High leverage means even the slightest price movement could trigger forced liquidation.
Base It on Your Stop-Loss Range
A sensible approach: first decide how much loss you can tolerate, then work backward to calculate the appropriate leverage. For example, if you can only accept losing 5% of your capital, you shouldn't use more than 10x leverage.
There's no "best" leverage — only the leverage that's "right for you." Controlling risk is far more important than chasing high multipliers.