Margin Level

Margin level is the ratio of account equity to used margin, expressed as a percentage: equity divided by used margin, multiplied by 100. A platform showing 800% means the account holds eight times the collateral its open positions require, while 100% means equity has fallen to exactly the amount pledged. Brokers use this single number to trigger their risk controls. A margin call warning is issued at one threshold and forced liquidation begins at a lower stop-out level, both published in the account terms. Because equity includes floating profit and loss, margin level falls as trades move against the account, making it the most direct real-time gauge of how close a position is to being closed automatically.