Fixed Risk Vs Variable Risk

Welcome back everyone.
Make sure to follow for more trading articles, hope you enjoy this one.
Let’s get straight into it.

Definitions:
Fixed risk means you are risking the same percentage of your account on every trade that is taken.
Example:
• Account: $1,000
• Risk per trade: 1%
• You risk $10 every single trade
No matter the setup, confidence level, or emotions the risk stays consistent.

Variable risk means adjusting how much you risk per trade. (1%, then 2%, then 3%...)
Example:
• 0.5% on weaker setups
• 1% on normal setups
• 2% on “A+” setups
Your position size changes depending on conviction or conditions.


The Core Differences
Fixed risk = Consistency
Variable risk = Flexibility
One prioritizes discipline.
The other prioritizes optimization. (Usually better if you’re in a winning streak)


Pros & Cons
Fixed Risk Pros
• Easy to manage
• Reduces emotional decisions
• Smooth equity curve
• Ideal for beginners

Fixed Risk Cons
• Doesn’t capitalize more on strong setups
• Growth may be slower


Variable Risk Pros
• Maximizes high-probability trades
• Can accelerate account growth
• More strategic

Variable Risk Cons
• Easier to overestimate setups
• Can increase drawdowns
• Requires experience and data


So, Which Is Better?
For most traders?

Fixed risk wins...

Why?


Because most traders struggle with:
• Overconfidence
• Emotional bias
• Inconsistent execution

Variable risk only works well when:
• You have proven data
• You have tracked hundreds of trades
• You truly understand your edge


Otherwise, it becomes gambling disguised as strategy.


Final Thoughts
Fixed risk builds discipline.
Variable risk builds performance, if used correctly.
Master consistency first.
Optimize later.

Trade smart. Stay in the game.

I know this was a very short guide, but some things can just be easier to explain than other things! Hope you enjoy.
Love you guys <3

For anyone who wants to look more into risk management as well, the previous articles: