NubraLot Size Calculator
NSE and BSE F&O lot sizes, contract quantities and derivative reference data.
Nubra
NSE & BSE F&O Lot Size — current minimum trading quantities
What a lot size is, how it sets a contract's value, and why NSE and BSE revise lot sizes for index and stock derivatives over time.
What is it
What is an F&O lot size?
In NSE and BSE futures and options, you cannot trade a single share or a custom quantity. Every contract trades in a fixed bundle called a lot. The lot size is the number of underlying units that make up one contract, and the exchange sets it separately for every stock and index.
Lot size exists because a target contract value has to be maintained regardless of the underlying's price. A higher-priced index needs a much smaller lot than a lower-priced stock to land in a comparable value band, which is why lot sizes vary across the F&O list and are revised when prices move materially.
How it works
How lot size determines contract value
Lot size is the multiplier that turns a per-unit price into the actual capital commitment of one contract.
Example
Example: contract value for one Nifty 50 lot
Say Nifty 50 trades at an illustrative Rs.25,200 with a lot size of 75.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Nifty 50 level | Rs.25,200 (illustrative) |
| Lot size | 75 |
| Contract value (1 lot) | Rs.18,90,000 |
The contract value helps explain why exchanges review lot sizes: if the underlying moves far enough, the lot can be revised to keep contract sizing practical.
How to use it
4 steps to use an F&O lot size list
- Find your underlyingSearch the index or stock you want to trade to see its current lot size and instrument type.
- Note the contract valueMultiply lot size by the current market price to see the notional value of one lot.
- Check margin or premiumFor futures, check the margin required. For options, multiply the premium by lot size.
- Size your position in lotsDivide available capital or margin by the per-lot requirement and round down to a whole number.
Why it matters
Why the lot size matters before you trade
- Avoid rejected or oversized ordersOrders must be placed in exact multiples of the lot size. Checking it up front avoids entering a quantity the exchange will not accept.
- Plan capital and margin correctlySince lot size sets the contract value, it affects the margin a futures lot needs or the premium outlay an options lot needs.
- Catch lot-size revisions before they catch youExchanges revise lot sizes periodically. Verify the current quantity before placing a new derivatives order.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a lot size in F&O trading?
Lot size is the fixed number of units of the underlying that make up one futures or options contract. Orders must be placed in whole multiples of the lot size set by the exchange for that specific stock or index.
Why is lot size different for every stock and index?
Lot size is set so a single contract's value lands in a target range regardless of the underlying's price. A high-priced stock or index needs a smaller lot to reach the same contract value as a lower-priced one.
Why do exchanges revise lot sizes?
As an underlying's price moves over time, the contract value created by lot size multiplied by price can drift away from the exchange's intended range. Exchanges can revise lot sizes at scheduled reviews.
Is the lot size the same for futures and options on the same underlying?
For a given underlying and expiry cycle, the exchange generally sets one lot size that applies to the futures contract and every options strike for that underlying.
How many lots can I trade with a given amount of capital?
Divide your available capital, or the margin your broker requires, by the cost of one lot. For futures this is usually margin; for options it is premium multiplied by the lot size. Round the result down to a whole lot.
Does lot size affect the margin I need?
Yes. A futures contract's notional value is lot size multiplied by price, and margin is generally linked to that contract value. A larger lot can therefore require more margin for the same underlying.
What happens if I want to trade less than one lot?
Exchange-traded F&O orders must be placed in whole multiples of the lot size, with one lot as the minimum. Consider a different underlying or adjust the number of lots rather than entering a fractional quantity.
This page explains F&O lot sizes, why they differ across instruments, and how they may be revised. Lot sizes are the current NSE/BSE F&O minimum trading quantities and can change at exchange reviews. Always confirm the latest lot size for your specific contract with your broker before placing an order.