Updated 2026-03-08
FTMO Scaling Plan Rule Explained
FTMO
Quick Answer
FTMO's Scaling Plan grows funded accounts by 25% every 4 months up to $2,000,000 maximum.
The scaling plan automatically increases your account size by 25% approximately every 4 months based on performance milestones achieved on your funded account. This applies only after passing the challenge phases and operates until reaching the $2,000,000 cap. There's no breach consequence since this is a reward system, not a restriction.
Key Rule Details
Available
Yes
Increase Per Step
25%
Frequency
Every 4 months
Maximum
$2,000,000
Max Split at Scale
90%
Calculation Example
Common Mistakes
Expecting Immediate Scaling
Traders assume scaling happens monthly or after big wins, but FTMO's scaling occurs approximately every 4 months based on consistent performance milestones. A trader with a $100,000 account making 50% in one month won't immediately get scaled to $150,000 - they must wait for the scheduled milestone review. This leads to disappointment and potentially reckless trading while waiting.
Ignoring Risk Management After Scaling
When accounts grow from $100,000 to $125,000, traders often forget that their 5% daily loss limit increases from $5,000 to $6,250. Many continue using the same position sizes, missing opportunities for proportional growth. Others dramatically increase position sizes without adjusting their risk management systems, leading to violations of FTMO's loss limits.
Misunderstanding Milestone Requirements
Traders believe hitting profit targets alone triggers scaling, but FTMO requires consistent performance over approximately 4-month periods. A trader might achieve 20% profits in month one but then break even for three months and wonder why they didn't get scaled. The performance must be sustained across the milestone period, not just achieved once.
Assuming Unlimited Scaling Speed
Some traders think exceptional performance accelerates scaling beyond the 4-month schedule, but FTMO's scaling follows fixed timelines regardless of profits. A trader earning 100% on a $50,000 account won't get scaled to $125,000 faster than the scheduled milestone - they're locked into the approximately 4-month cycle until reaching $2,000,000.
Protection Strategies
Track Milestone Progress Quarterly
Monitor your performance every 3 months to prepare for potential scaling evaluations around month 4. Keep detailed records of profits, consistency metrics, and rule adherence since scaling depends on overall performance milestones, not just profit amounts. This helps you understand whether you're on track for the 25% account increase.
Scale Position Sizes Proportionally
When your account grows from $100,000 to $125,000, increase your position sizes by exactly 25% to maintain consistent risk percentages. If you risked $1,000 per trade on the $100,000 account, increase to $1,250 per trade on the scaled account. This ensures you capitalize on the larger account size while maintaining proper risk management.
Set Scaling Milestone Reminders
Create calendar alerts every 4 months from your funded account start date to anticipate potential scaling decisions. Use this time to review your performance metrics and adjust trading plans for potentially larger account sizes. This prevents surprise scaling from catching you unprepared with outdated risk management calculations.
Maintain Conservative Growth Targets
Focus on consistent 5-10% monthly returns rather than aggressive growth spurts, since FTMO's scaling rewards sustained performance over 4-month periods. Avoid risking account violations by chasing quick profits to "earn" faster scaling - the timeline is fixed regardless of exceptional performance months.
Related Rules
FTMO Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Prop firm rules change regularly — always verify current terms on FTMO's official website before purchasing a challenge. Updated 2026-03-08.