Does Topstep's Scaling Plan include a maximum account size limit?

No, Topstep's scaling plan has no upper limit (listed as N/A). Your account can continue growing by 20% at each milestone indefinitely as long as you meet the performance requirements. This means accounts can scale from $50,000 to $60,000, then $72,000, $86,400, and beyond without a cap.

What happens if I breach other rules while eligible for scaling?

Breaching rules like daily loss limits or maximum loss will terminate your account regardless of scaling eligibility. Scaling is a benefit that only applies to accounts in good standing. You must maintain compliance with all Topstep rules throughout the scaling process to retain your funded account.

When does Topstep reset the scaling milestone requirements after account growth?

After each successful scaling, your new performance milestones reset based on the increased account size. If you scale from $50,000 to $60,000, your next milestone targets will be calculated from the new $60,000 baseline. The 5-day minimum trading requirement also resets for each new scaling period.

Does scaling affect my daily loss limit calculations on balance vs equity?

Yes, when your account scales up by 20%, all risk management rules including daily loss limits adjust proportionally to the new account size. A scaled $60,000 account will have correspondingly higher daily loss limits than the original $50,000 account. Your loss limits scale with your account balance, not your equity fluctuations.

Does Topstep's Scaling Plan include a maximum account size limit?

No, Topstep's scaling plan has no upper limit (listed as N/A). Your account can continue growing by 20% at each milestone indefinitely as long as you meet the performance requirements. This means accounts can scale from $50,000 to $60,000, then $72,000, $86,400, and beyond without a cap.

What happens if I breach other rules while eligible for scaling?

Breaching rules like daily loss limits or maximum loss will terminate your account regardless of scaling eligibility. Scaling is a benefit that only applies to accounts in good standing. You must maintain compliance with all Topstep rules throughout the scaling process to retain your funded account.

When does Topstep reset the scaling milestone requirements after account growth?

After each successful scaling, your new performance milestones reset based on the increased account size. If you scale from $50,000 to $60,000, your next milestone targets will be calculated from the new $60,000 baseline. The 5-day minimum trading requirement also resets for each new scaling period.

Does scaling affect my daily loss limit calculations on balance vs equity?

Yes, when your account scales up by 20%, all risk management rules including daily loss limits adjust proportionally to the new account size. A scaled $60,000 account will have correspondingly higher daily loss limits than the original $50,000 account. Your loss limits scale with your account balance, not your equity fluctuations.

Updated 2026-03-08

Topstep Scaling Plan Rule Explained

Topstep

Quick Answer

Topstep's Scaling Plan grows funded accounts by 20% at each performance milestone with no upper limit.

The scaling plan increases your account size by 20% when you reach specific performance milestones on your funded account. This means a $50,000 account grows to $60,000, then $72,000, and continues scaling upward. There's no breach associated with this rule since it's a benefit, not a restriction.

Key Rule Details

Available

Yes

Increase Per Step

20%

Frequency

Performance-based

Maximum

N/A

Max Split at Scale

90%

Calculation Example

Account Size: $100,000 — Scaling Plan: N/A

Account Size	$100,000
Scaling Plan Limit	N/A
Scenario: Closed P&L	20% increase per milestone
Scenario: Floating P&L	Performance-based
Total Exposure	$120,000 after first scale
Remaining Buffer	Max: N/A

Limit used:10%

Common Mistakes

Expecting Automatic Scaling

Many traders assume scaling happens automatically when they hit profit targets. Topstep requires you to meet specific performance milestones and maintain consistent trading behavior before approving account growth. A trader making $10,000 profit in one lucky day won't automatically get scaled from $50,000 to $60,000 without demonstrating sustainable performance patterns.

Ignoring Minimum Trading Requirements

Traders focus on profit targets but forget the 5-day minimum trading requirement for scaling eligibility. Even if you achieve the profit milestone for scaling, you won't qualify unless you've traded at least 5 days. This means a trader who makes the required profit in 3 days must continue trading to meet the minimum day requirement.

Overtrading After Scaling Approval

Once approved for scaling, traders often increase position sizes too aggressively on the new account size. Going from a $50,000 to $60,000 account doesn't mean you should immediately trade with 20% larger positions. Your risk management should scale gradually, not immediately jump to match the new account size.

Misunderstanding Payout Impact

Traders don't realize that scaling affects their absolute payout amounts even though percentages stay the same. A 50% payout on a scaled $72,000 account means larger dollar payouts than the original $50,000 account. Some traders make trading decisions based on old account size calculations rather than updated scaled amounts.

Protection Strategies

Track Performance Milestones Systematically

Document your progress toward each scaling milestone with specific profit targets and trading day counts. Set alerts when you're within $1,000 of your scaling target to ensure you maintain consistent performance rather than taking unnecessary risks. This helps you qualify for the 20% account increase while preserving capital.

Scale Position Sizes Gradually After Growth

When your account grows from $50,000 to $60,000, increase your position sizes by only 10% initially rather than the full 20% account increase. This conservative approach lets you adapt to the larger account while maintaining your risk-reward ratios. Gradually increase to full position sizing over several weeks.

Set Scaling Milestone Notifications

Configure alerts when you reach 80% of your scaling milestone profit target to prepare for the evaluation period. Monitor both your profit progress and minimum trading day requirements simultaneously. This prevents you from hitting profit targets too quickly without meeting the time-based requirements for scaling approval.

Avoid Revenge Trading Near Milestones

When close to scaling milestones, resist the urge to overtrade or take larger risks to reach targets faster. If you're $2,000 away from your scaling target, maintain your normal position sizes and trading frequency. Aggressive trading near milestones often leads to losses that delay scaling approval rather than accelerating it.

Related Rules

Minimum Trading Days

5 days

→

Payout Split & Schedule

Topstep Comparisons

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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 Topstep's official website before purchasing a challenge. Updated 2026-03-08.