Updated 2026-03-08
FTMO Minimum Trading Days Rule Explained
FTMO
Quick Answer
FTMO requires a minimum of 4 trading days in each evaluation phase before profit targets count.
The rule requires traders to execute trades on at least 4 separate calendar days during each 30-day evaluation phase. Only days with executed trades count toward this requirement. Failing to meet 4 trading days means the profit target cannot be achieved, resulting in automatic challenge failure even if the profit threshold is reached.
Key Rule Details
Minimum
4 days
Applies To
Each phase separately
A trading day is
Any day with at least 1 closed trade
If reached early
Must keep trading until minimum met
Breach
Target not counted until days met
Calculation Example
Common Mistakes
Weekend Trading Confusion
Traders assume weekend positions count as separate trading days when they don't. FTMO only counts weekdays when markets are open and trades are executed. A trader might think they have 4 days but actually only traded on 3 weekdays, failing the challenge despite hitting their $1,000 profit target on a $10,000 account.
Single Day Profit Rush
Traders hit their profit target in 1-2 days and stop trading, forgetting the minimum day requirement. A trader on a $25,000 account might make $2,500 profit on day one but then stop trading, failing the challenge for not meeting the 4-day minimum despite exceeding the 10% profit target.
Holding-Only Days Don't Count
Traders believe days where they only hold existing positions count as trading days. FTMO requires actual trade execution on each day. If a trader opens positions on Monday and just monitors them until Friday without new trades, they only have 1 trading day, not 5.
Last Minute Day Cramming
Traders rush to complete remaining days in the final days of the 30-day limit. This often leads to forced trades and unnecessary risks just to meet the day requirement. Cramming 3 trading days into the last week while trying to maintain profits frequently results in rule violations or losses that could have been avoided with proper planning.
Protection Strategies
Plan for 6-8 Trading Days Minimum
Always plan to trade on 6-8 days to build a buffer above the 4-day requirement. This protects against days when market conditions prevent trading or technical issues arise. The extra days also allow for more controlled profit accumulation rather than rushing to meet both day and profit requirements simultaneously.
Execute Small Trades on Buffer Days
On days when you don't see strong setups, execute small position trades just to count the trading day. Use position sizes of 0.01-0.1 lots to minimize risk while ensuring the day counts toward your 4-day minimum. This prevents being forced into larger trades later just to meet the requirement.
Set Daily Trading Reminders Early
Set calendar alerts for the first 10 days of your challenge to ensure consistent trading activity. Track your trading days from day one rather than realizing late in the challenge that you need more days. This prevents the pressure of forced trading in the final weeks of your 30-day evaluation period.
Avoid All-in Early Profit Strategies
Resist strategies that aim to hit profit targets in 1-2 days, as they ignore the day requirement. Even if you're up 8% on day two of a 10% target challenge, continue planned trading to accumulate the required days. This prevents the frustration of achieving profit goals but failing due to insufficient trading days.
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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.