Updated 2026-03-08
FTMO Time Limit Rule Explained
FTMO
Quick Answer
FTMO's Time Limit requires traders to hit profit targets within 30 calendar days in Phase 1 and 60 days in Phase 2.
The countdown begins from account activation date and includes all calendar days including weekends and holidays. Traders must achieve the 10% profit target within 30 days in Phase 1 or the evaluation automatically fails, regardless of current profit levels.
Key Rule Details
Phase 1 Limit
30 days
Phase 2 Limit
60 days
Starts
From account activation
Pause
Clock does not pause on weekends
Breach
Evaluation failed, new purchase required
Calculation Example
Common Mistakes
Ignoring Weekend Days
Many traders forget that FTMO's 30-day limit includes weekends and holidays when markets are closed. A trader activating their $100,000 account on Friday has already lost 2 days by Monday. This miscounting leads to rushed trading in the final week when they realize they have fewer actual trading days than expected.
Procrastinating Early Days
Traders often start slowly, thinking they have plenty of time, then panic in week 3 or 4. With only 20-22 actual trading days in a 30-day period, waiting a week to start serious trading leaves insufficient time to reach the 10% target safely. This leads to overleveraging and account blowouts.
Confusing Phase Requirements
Some traders assume they have 60 days total across both phases, when actually each phase has its own separate time limit. Phase 1 has exactly 30 days to hit 10% profit, then Phase 2 gets a fresh 60-day countdown to achieve 5% profit, not a combined 90-day period.
Relying on Unrealized Profits
Traders sometimes coast with open positions showing unrealized gains near the deadline, forgetting that only closed trades count toward the profit target. A trader with $800 unrealized profit on day 29 of their $10,000 account still needs $200 more in closed profits, but has limited time to secure it safely.
Protection Strategies
Set Personal 25-Day Target Deadline
Aim to hit your profit target 5 days before FTMO's 30-day deadline to create a safety buffer. This gives you 25 calendar days (roughly 18 trading days) to achieve the target, with 5 extra days for final adjustments or to close remaining positions safely without time pressure.
Use 0.5% Daily Risk Management
Risk only 0.5% of account balance per trade to ensure you can take 200+ trades if needed within the time limit. With FTMO's 5% daily loss limit, this conservative approach allows multiple attempts daily while keeping you far from dangerous drawdown levels during the 30-day evaluation period.
Create Day 15 Progress Alerts
Set calendar reminders to check your progress at day 15 (halfway point) and day 25 (5-day warning). You should have 5% profit by day 15 to stay on track for the 10% target. These checkpoints help you adjust position sizes or trading frequency before time runs out.
Avoid Friday Afternoon New Positions
Stop opening new trades after Thursday close in your final week to prevent weekend gap risk and ensure time to manage positions. Weekend gaps can quickly turn winning trades into losers, and with limited time remaining, you cannot afford unexpected drawdowns that delay profit target achievement.
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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.