The 40% consistency rule is a regulation for sim-funded accounts. This guide explains how the rule works, its impact on your payouts, and how traders can maintain eligibility for fast withdrawals. Whether you’re new to prop trading or aiming to optimize your sim-funded account.
What Is the 40% Consistency Rule?
The 40% consistency rule says to ensure that no single day’s profit exceeds 40% of your total simulated profits. This rule promotes disciplined and consistent trading, a hallmark of prop firms that encourage responsible trading.
How the 40% Consistency Rule Works
Here’s a simple example to illustrate the rule:
Total Profits: $10,000
Single Day’s Profit: $4,500
Percentage Calculation: $4,500 /$10,000 = 45% (exceeds the 40% limit)
Result: You cannot request a prop-firm payout at that moment. Your account remains active, but withdrawals are paused until the rule is satisfied.
Why Does This Matter?
The 40% rule prevents traders from relying on a single outsized trading day, ensuring consistent trading performance. Violating the rule doesn’t close your account—it only delays your ability to withdraw funds until you fall under 40% again.
How to Restore Payout Eligibility
To regain eligibility for withdrawals, continue trading until every day’s profit falls below 40% of your cumulative gains. Here’s how it works:
Initial Total Profits: $10,000
Problematic Day’s Profit: $4,500 (45% of total)
Additional Trading: Earn $2,000 more, bringing total profits to $12,000
Recalculation: $4,500/$12,000 = 37.5% (now within the 40% limit)
Outcome: You can now submit a withdrawal request and access your simulated profits.
Tips for Complying with the 40% Consistency Rule
Trade Consistently: Spread profits across multiple trading days to avoid exceeding the 40% threshold.
Monitor Daily Gains: Track your daily profits against your total to stay compliant.
Focus on Risk Management: Use strategies that prioritize steady gains over volatile, high-risk trades.
Leverage Expert Plans: If eligible, opt for plans without consistency restrictions for greater flexibility.
Why Choose a Prop Firm with a 40% Consistency Rule?
The best prop firms implement rules like the 40% consistency requirement to foster disciplined trading. By adhering to these prop firm rules, you can:
Build long-term trading habits.
Qualify for fast withdrawals with ease.
Maximize your success in proprietary trading.