What is a point?
On forex pairs traders count pips. On indices, Bitcoin and gold, most people count points instead. A point is simply a price move of a set size:
- US30, NAS100 and other index CFDs: 1 point = a 1.0 move in the index (for example 39,000 to 39,001).
- BTCUSD: traders usually call a $1 move "1 point". On MT5 the smallest step is $0.01, which the platform also calls a point, so 1,500 "points" on a chart tool may mean $15. Check which one you are using.
- Gold (XAUUSD): 1 point = $0.01. Most retail traders call $0.10 a pip, so 10 points = 1 pip. Some brokers and traders call $0.01 a pip.
The money value of a point depends on the contract size, which is set by your broker.
Points formula
Profit = Points moved × Point size × Contract size × Lots
With the usual CFD contract sizes:
| Instrument | Contract per 1 lot | Value of 1 point per lot |
|---|---|---|
| US30 | $1 per index point | $1 |
| NAS100 | $1 per index point | $1 |
| BTCUSD | 1 BTC | $1 per $1 move |
| XAUUSD | 100 oz | $1 per $0.01 point |
Index contracts vary: some brokers use $10 or $0.10 per point per lot, and some quote US30 to one decimal (0.1 steps). Crypto lots are usually 1 coin. Check your broker's contract specification and edit the contract size in the calculator if it differs.
Worked examples
US30 (long): buy 0.5 lots at 39,000, close at 39,150.
150 points × $1 × 0.5 = $75 profit.
NAS100 point calculator (short): sell 2 lots at 18,250, close at 18,170.
80 points × $1 × 2 = $160 profit.
BTC USD points calculator: buy 0.1 lots (0.1 BTC) at $60,000, close at $61,500.
1,500 points × 1 BTC × 0.1 = $150 profit.
Gold points: buy 1 lot at $2,400.00, close at $2,402.50.
The move is 2.50, which is 250 points (or 25 pips at 0.10 per pip).
250 × $0.01 × 100 oz × 1 = $250 profit. That matches the rule of thumb: $1 move in gold = $100 per lot.
How to use this calculator
- Pick the instrument (US30, NAS100, BTCUSD, XAUUSD or another index).
- Check the contract size against your broker's specification and edit it if needed.
- Enter your lot size.
- Enter the number of points, or the entry and exit prices.
- Read the value per point and the total profit or loss in your account currency.
Why point value matters for risk
Indices and Bitcoin move hundreds of points a day. NAS100 can swing 200–300 points in a normal session, and BTC can move several thousand dollars. A 2-lot NAS100 position at $1 per point gains or loses $2 for every point, so a 250-point swing is $500 either way.
Before entering, decide how many points your stop is from entry and multiply by the point value. If the loss is more than you planned to risk, cut the lot size. The position size calculator does that step for you. For Bitcoin-specific detail, including margin on BTC CFDs, see the BTCUSD calculator.
Points on futures vs CFDs
Exchange futures use fixed tick sizes and tick values instead of broker-set contract sizes. A Nasdaq-100 E-mini point is worth far more than a typical NAS100 CFD point. If you trade futures, use the futures tick value calculator.
FAQ
How much is 1 point on NAS100?
At most brokers, 1 point on NAS100 is worth $1 per 1.0 lot. So 0.1 lots is $0.10 per point and 5 lots is $5 per point. Some brokers use other contract sizes.
How much is 100 points on US30?
With a $1-per-point contract, 100 points is $100 per lot, $10 on 0.1 lots and $1,000 on 10 lots.
What is a point in Bitcoin?
In trading talk, one BTC point usually means a $1 price move. On a 1 BTC lot, that is $1 of profit or loss. MT5 calls the $0.01 step a point, so always check the unit.
How many points is a pip in gold?
Using the common convention, 1 pip = $0.10 and 1 point = $0.01, so 1 pip = 10 points. On 1 lot (100 oz) a point is $1 and a pip is $10.
Why does my profit not match the calculator?
Your broker may use a different contract size, quote currency or decimal format, and spreads, commission and swaps also affect the result. Enter your broker's exact contract size.
Final note
Converting points into money before you trade keeps index and crypto positions in proportion to your account. Check the contract size once, then let the calculator do the arithmetic.
Trading leveraged products carries a high risk of loss. Results are estimates; check your broker's contract specifications.