Broker Trading Cost Calculator
Compare the real cost of trading across brokers - sorted cheapest first.
| # | Broker | Spread (pips) | Cost per Trade | Action |
|---|
Spreads are indicative based on typical market conditions. Actual spreads vary by account type, time of day, and market volatility.
How Trading Costs Are Calculated
The primary cost of most forex trades is the spread - the difference between the buy and sell price quoted by the broker. This calculator shows the total spread cost per trade.
Formula: Cost = Spread (pips) x Lots x Pip Value. For EUR/USD and GBP/USD, the pip value is $10 per standard lot. For USD/JPY it is approximately $9.10, and for XAU/USD each point is worth $1 per lot.
Spread Isn't the Only Cost -- What Else to Check
This calculator focuses on spread cost since it applies to every trade on every account type. But total cost of trading also includes: commission (charged per lot on ECN/raw-spread accounts, on top of a near-zero spread), overnight swap fees if you hold positions past the daily rollover, and inactivity fees some brokers charge after months of no trading. Always check a broker's full fee schedule, not just the headline spread.
Standard Spread vs ECN/Raw Spread Accounts
Brokers typically offer two pricing models: Standard accounts with no commission but wider spreads (the broker's fee is built into the spread), and ECN/Raw Spread accounts with near-zero spreads plus a fixed commission per lot. For high-frequency or scalping traders, ECN accounts are usually cheaper overall. For traders making a few trades per week, a commission-free standard account can work out similarly priced with less to track.