The Topstep Trading Combine is a simulated futures evaluation. The current structure is simpler than many older summaries suggest: one account rule, two objectives and an account-size contract limit.
This guide explains the current parameters and a risk-first way to approach them. Topstep can change product terms, so confirm the live figures in your dashboard before trading.
Combine quick reference: Do not hit the Maximum Loss Limit. Reach and maintain the Profit Target, meet the 50% Consistency Target, and stay within the 5, 10 or 15 mini-contract limit for the selected account size. The Daily Loss Limit is optional.
What Is the TopStep Combine?
The Trading Combine is Topstep's evaluation account. It uses simulated capital and real-time market data to test whether a trader can meet its profit and consistency objectives while respecting the Maximum Loss Limit.
Passing leads to an Express Funded Account under a separate set of rules. Payout eligibility and profit splits are not Combine objectives; see the current Topstep payout policy guide for that stage.
The Combine Rules in Detail
| Parameter | $50K Combine | $100K Combine | $150K Combine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profit target | $3,000 (6%) | $6,000 (6%) | $9,000 (6%) |
| Maximum Loss Limit | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,500 |
| Consistency target | 50% | 50% | 50% |
| Daily Loss Limit | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Contract limit | 5 minis / 50 micros | 10 minis / 100 micros | 15 minis / 150 micros |
Maximum Loss Limit (MLL)
The MLL is the Combine's one account rule. It trails from the end-of-day account balance and is enforced in real time, including unrealized profit and loss. Hitting it closes the account. Review Topstep's official Maximum Loss Limit explanation before starting.
Profit and Consistency Objectives
The Profit Target is $3,000, $6,000 or $9,000 by account size. The best trading day must remain at or below 50% of the Profit Target. If the best day exceeds that threshold, the required total profit rises; the oversized day does not by itself close the account.
Daily Loss Limit (DLL)
The Daily Loss Limit is optional in the Trading Combine. If selected and triggered, it flattens positions, cancels pending orders and pauses trading for the rest of the session. It does not by itself close the account.
Allowed Contracts
The maximum position is 5, 10 or 15 mini contracts for the $50K, $100K or $150K Combine. Micros use a 10-to-1 ratio, so the corresponding limits are 50, 100 and 150.
The Math Behind Sizing
The platform contract ceiling is not a risk recommendation. Position size should come from the stop distance and the amount you can lose while leaving room above the MLL.
For ES, each tick is $12.50 per contract. A 6-tick stop risks $75 per ES contract before fees and slippage. For MES, each tick is $1.25, so the same stop risks $7.50 per contract.
Choose a personal daily stop inside the MLL, divide the per-trade risk by the stop risk per contract, and round down. Recalculate after the session when the MLL moves.
A Risk-First Combine Plan
- Record the parameters. Put the Profit Target, MLL and contract limit beside the platform. Do not trade from memory.
- Set a personal daily stop. Keep it inside the MLL so one session cannot consume the whole buffer.
- Start below the contract ceiling. Size from the stop distance and risk budget, not from the maximum position Topstep permits.
- Track consistency after every session. Divide the best day by the Profit Target. Keep the result at or below 50%.
- Check the MLL after the close. Record the new floor before the next session because it is based on end-of-day balance.
- Protect the objectives near the target. Reduce size rather than forcing a final trade that puts the MLL at risk.
Important: Reaching the Profit Target is not enough if the 50% Consistency Target is not satisfied. A large best day can increase the total profit required. Check both objectives in the dashboard.
The Five Mistakes That Kill Combines
1. Treating the optional DLL as the only risk control
The MLL remains the account rule whether or not the optional DLL is selected. Use a personal daily stop that protects the remaining MLL buffer.
2. Sizing up after losses
Increasing size to recover a loss makes the MLL easier to hit. Keep the same risk formula after wins and losses.
3. Trading through major news
FOMC, CPI, NFP — these create slippage that breaks normal stop math. Be flat 5 minutes before scheduled events. Re-enter only after the dust settles.
4. Confusing the MLL with the optional DLL
The MLL is the account-closing rule and trails from end-of-day balance. The optional DLL is a session stop. They are different thresholds with different consequences.
5. Ignoring the consistency calculation
A single oversized profit day can raise the total amount required. Track the best day against the Profit Target instead of watching only the account balance.
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After the Profit Target and 50% Consistency Target are satisfied without hitting the MLL:
- Confirm the dashboard marks the Combine complete.
- Review the current Express Funded Account agreement and parameters.
- Choose the available funded-account path presented in the dashboard.
- Follow the separate XFA trading and payout eligibility rules.
Combine FAQ
What is the TopStep Combine?
Topstep's simulated futures evaluation. The account has one rule—the Maximum Loss Limit—and profit and consistency objectives.
Is there a minimum number of trading days?
The current Trading Combine parameters do not list a minimum trading-day objective. The 50% Consistency Target means the Profit Target cannot be satisfied by one oversized day.
Is the Daily Loss Limit required?
No. It is optional. If selected and triggered, it closes positions and stops trading for the session without closing the account.
What is the profit target?
$3,000 on the $50K account, $6,000 on the $100K and $9,000 on the $150K. The best trading day must also remain at or below 50% of that target.
What is the Maximum Loss Limit?
$2,000 on the $50K account, $3,000 on the $100K and $4,500 on the $150K. It trails from end-of-day balance and is monitored in real time.
Where should I verify the current rules?
Use Topstep's official Trading Combine parameters and the values shown in your dashboard.
Bottom Line
The current Combine is best understood as one rule and two objectives. Protect the MLL, reach and maintain the Profit Target, and keep the best day within the 50% Consistency Target.
Use the contract limit as a ceiling, not a target. Size from stop distance and available loss buffer, track the MLL after every close, and verify live terms before acting.
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