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If you’re asking “how many trades do you need to pass Topstep?”, you’re not alone. This is one of the most frequently searched questions in the prop trading industry, and for good reason. Topstep has established itself as one of the most reputable and trader-friendly proprietary trading firms in the world, offering aspiring futures traders a legitimate pathway to manage significant capital without risking their own money.
At Prop Firm Services, we’ve helped thousands of traders successfully navigate the Topstep evaluation process. Our professional Prop Firms Passing Service has achieved a 95%+ success rate across all major prop firms, including Topstep, Apex Trader Funding, and many others. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about passing the Topstep Trading Combine, from the exact number of trades required to advanced strategies that maximize your chances of success.
The Topstep Trading Combine is designed to evaluate your trading skills, risk management discipline, and ability to generate consistent profits. Unlike some competitors that impose restrictive consistency rules or require an arbitrary number of trades, Topstep focuses on what truly matters: can you make money while managing risk effectively? This philosophy has made Topstep one of the most popular choices among serious futures traders, and it’s why our Funded Account Management Service specializes in helping clients pass Topstep challenges efficiently.
Whether you’re a beginner exploring your first prop firm challenge or an experienced trader looking to scale your operations, understanding the Topstep evaluation criteria is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover the Express account rules, funded account requirements, payout structure, scaling plan, and the exact strategies our professional traders use to consistently pass Topstep challenges on behalf of our clients.
Topstep, officially known as Topstep LLC and formerly called TopstepTrader, is a Chicago-based proprietary trading firm that has been in operation since 2012. Headquartered in the heart of the financial district, Topstep has built a reputation as one of the most legitimate and trader-friendly prop firms in the industry. The company specializes in futures trading, offering traders access to major markets including E-mini S&P 500 (ES), Nasdaq 100 (NQ), crude oil (CL), gold (GC), and many other popular futures contracts.
Unlike traditional prop firms that require traders to risk their own capital, Topstep operates on a unique evaluation model. Traders purchase a Trading Combineβa simulated evaluation accountβand must demonstrate their ability to trade profitably while adhering to strict risk management rules. Once they pass the evaluation, they receive a funded account where they can trade real capital and keep up to 90% of their profits.
Topstep’s Chicago headquarters represents the gold standard in proprietary trading firms
The question of what is Topstep trading often comes up among new traders. Simply put, Topstep trading is a performance-based evaluation system where traders prove their skills in a simulated environment before being granted access to real capital. This model has proven highly effective, as it filters out undisciplined traders while rewarding those who demonstrate consistent profitability and sound risk management.
Topstep has funded thousands of traders worldwide, paying out millions in profits. Their transparent rules, fair evaluation process, and excellent customer support have earned them a stellar reputation on platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit. Many traders consider Topstep to be the most reliable prop firm in the industry, which is why our prop firm passing service prioritizes Topstep challenges for clients seeking the highest probability of long-term success.
When comparing Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep, several key differences emerge that make Topstep the preferred choice for serious traders. First, Topstep does not impose a consistency rule, meaning you don’t need to spread your profits evenly across multiple trading days. Second, Topstep offers a clear scaling plan that allows funded traders to increase their contract allocation as they demonstrate profitability. Third, Topstep’s payout process is fast and reliable, with most payouts processed within 24-48 hours.
Additionally, Topstep supports multiple trading platforms including NinjaTrader, Tradovate, and the innovative Quantower Project X (TopstepX), giving traders flexibility in how they execute their strategies. The firm also offers regular promotions, including Topstep promo codes and activation fee discounts, making it more accessible for traders at all levels.
Before diving into the specific question of how many trades you need to pass Topstep, it’s essential to understand the structure of the Trading Combine itself. Topstep offers several account sizes, each with different profit targets, loss limits, and trading requirements. Understanding these parameters is crucial for developing an effective passing strategy.
The Topstep Trading Combine evaluation dashboard tracks your progress toward funded status
| Account Size | Profit Target | Daily Loss Limit | Trailing Drawdown | Min Trading Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 | 5 days |
| $100,000 | $6,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 | 5 days |
| $150,000 | $9,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 | 5 days |
Each account size is designed to accommodate different trading styles and risk tolerances. The $50K account is ideal for beginners or traders who prefer to trade smaller position sizes, while the $100K and $150K accounts appeal to more experienced traders who want to maximize their profit potential. Regardless of the account size you choose, the core rules remain the same: reach the profit target without violating the daily loss limit or trailing drawdown, and trade for at least 5 days.
One of the most common questions we receive at our funded account passing service is whether the account size affects the number of trades needed to pass. The answer is nuanced. While larger accounts have higher profit targets, they also allow for larger position sizes, which means you can potentially reach the target in fewer trades. However, larger position sizes also increase your risk, so the optimal number of trades depends on your individual strategy and risk tolerance.
The Topstep Express account is the most popular evaluation product offered by the firm. It’s a single-step evaluation that combines the traditional two-phase process into one streamlined challenge. The Express account features simplified rules, no consistency requirement, and a trailing drawdown that stops at the starting balance once you reach the profit target.
The Topstep Express rules are designed to be trader-friendly while still maintaining rigorous standards. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
These rules make the Topstep Express account one of the most accessible evaluation products in the industry. Our prop firm management service has developed specific strategies optimized for these rules, allowing us to consistently pass Topstep challenges for our clients with minimal risk.
Now we arrive at the central question of this guide: how many trades do you need to pass Topstep? The short answer is that there is no fixed minimum number of trades required. Topstep’s rules focus on profit targets and risk management, not on trade count. However, based on our extensive experience passing thousands of Topstep challenges through our prop firm passing service, we can provide you with realistic expectations and optimal trade counts.
The Topstep evaluation process rewards disciplined trading over high trade volume
To understand how many trades you need, let’s break down the mathematics. On a $50K account, you need to make $3,000 in profit. If you’re trading the E-mini S&P 500 (ES) with an average profit of $200 per trade (4 points), you would need approximately 15 winning trades to reach the target. However, this assumes a 100% win rate, which is unrealistic.
In reality, most successful traders operate with a win rate between 50-65%. If we assume a 60% win rate with an average win of $250 and an average loss of $150, the math looks like this:
β’ Expected profit per trade: (0.6 Γ $250) – (0.4 Γ $150) = $150 – $60 = $90
β’ Trades needed for $3,000 profit: $3,000 Γ· $90 = 33 trades
β’ Realistic range: 20-40 trades depending on market conditions
For the $100K account with a $6,000 profit target, you would typically need 40-60 trades using the same parameters. For the $150K account with a $9,000 target, expect 60-90 trades. However, these numbers can vary significantly based on your strategy, the instruments you trade, and current market volatility.
Based on our analysis of over 15,000 successful Topstep passes through our funded account management service, we’ve identified the following optimal trade count ranges:
| Account Size | Minimum Trades | Optimal Range | Maximum Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | 10-15 | 20-35 | 50 |
| $100,000 | 15-20 | 30-50 | 75 |
| $150,000 | 20-25 | 40-70 | 100 |
The key insight here is that quality matters more than quantity. A trader who takes 20 high-probability setups with proper risk management is far more likely to pass than a trader who takes 100 marginal trades. This is why our professional traders at Prop Firm Services focus on selective, high-quality trade execution rather than high-frequency trading.
Several factors can affect how many trades you need to pass Topstep:
Understanding these factors is crucial for developing a realistic passing strategy. Our prop firm services team analyzes all these variables when managing client accounts, ensuring we optimize trade count for each specific situation.
The Topstep Express rules form the foundation of the evaluation process. Understanding these rules inside and out is essential for anyone looking to pass the challenge. Let’s dive deep into each rule and explain how it affects your trading strategy.
The Topstep dashboard provides real-time tracking of your evaluation progress
The profit target is the primary objective of the Topstep Express evaluation. You must reach this target in net profits to pass. The targets are:
Notice that the profit target is consistently 6% of the account size across all tiers. This is a reasonable target that can be achieved with proper risk management and a solid trading strategy. Our prop firm passing EA and manual trading strategies are specifically calibrated to achieve these targets efficiently.
The daily loss limit is $2,000 across all account sizes. This is calculated based on the total loss from the start of the trading day (5:00 PM ET) to the end. It includes both realized and unrealized losses. If your account falls below this limit at any point during the day, your account is failed.
The trailing drawdown is $4,000 across all account sizes. This is one of the most important rules to understand. The trailing drawdown follows your highest unrealized profit point. For example, if your account reaches $52,000 (a $2,000 profit), your trailing drawdown level moves up to $48,000. If your account then falls to $48,000, you fail the evaluation.
However, there’s a crucial exception: once you reach the profit target, the trailing drawdown stops moving and locks at your starting balance. This is a significant advantage of the Topstep Express account compared to competitors.
You must trade for at least 5 different days to pass the evaluation. A “trading day” is defined as any day where you place at least one trade. This rule ensures that you’re demonstrating consistent trading ability rather than just getting lucky on a single day.
Most traders complete the 5 minimum trading days within their first week of trading. Our professional traders typically pass within 7-14 calendar days, well within any time limits.
One of the biggest advantages of Topstep is the absence of a consistency rule. Unlike some competitors that require your largest winning day to be less than a certain percentage of your total profits, Topstep allows you to have one large winning day and still pass. This gives traders much more flexibility in their approach.
For example, if you make $2,500 on a single day and $500 across four other days, you still pass as long as you’ve met all other requirements. This is a major reason why many traders prefer Topstep over alternatives like Apex Trader Funding.
Passing the Topstep Trading Combine is just the beginning. Once you pass, you receive a funded account where you can trade real capital and earn real profits. Understanding the Topstep Express funded rules is crucial for long-term success as a funded trader.
Funded account verification certificate representing successful Topstep evaluation completion
Topstep offers one of the most competitive profit splits in the industry. Funded traders keep up to 90% of their profits, with Topstep retaining only 10%. This is significantly better than many competitors who offer 80/20 or even 70/30 splits. The 90/10 split applies to all profits above the initial buffer, making it highly attractive for profitable traders.
Once funded, your account operates under similar but slightly different rules than the evaluation:
These rules are designed to protect both the trader and the firm. The daily loss limit prevents catastrophic single-day losses, while the overall loss limit ensures that traders maintain discipline over time.
One of the most common questions we receive is about Topstep payout rules and how long does a Topstep payout take. Here’s the complete breakdown:
The payout process is straightforward and reliable. Simply submit a payout request through your Topstep dashboard, and the funds will be processed within 24-48 hours. Many traders report receiving their payouts even faster, sometimes within a few hours.
The Topstep scaling plan is one of the most attractive features for long-term traders. Here’s how it works:
This scaling plan allows successful traders to significantly increase their earning potential over time. A trader who starts with a $100K account trading 5 contracts can eventually trade 15 contracts, tripling their profit potential while maintaining the same risk management principles.
Professional funded account managers demonstrate consistent growth through disciplined trading
Knowing how many trades you need to pass Topstep is only half the battle. The other half is executing those trades effectively. In this section, we’ll share the proven strategies that our professional traders use to consistently pass Topstep challenges for our clients.
Advanced technical analysis forms the foundation of successful Topstep trading strategies
The A B C pattern is one of the most reliable chart patterns for futures trading. It consists of three distinct price movements that form a recognizable pattern on the chart. Our traders use this pattern to identify high-probability entry points with clear stop loss and take profit levels.
The ABC pattern works particularly well on the E-mini S&P 500 (ES) and Nasdaq 100 (NQ) during the New York trading session. By combining this pattern with volume analysis and key support/resistance levels, our traders achieve win rates of 65-70% on Topstep challenges.
The Gann arc is a sophisticated technical analysis tool that helps identify potential support and resistance levels based on geometric relationships. While complex to master, Gann arc analysis can provide significant edges in futures trading, particularly on longer timeframes.
Our senior traders incorporate Gann arc analysis into their Topstep trading strategies, particularly for swing trades that span multiple days. This approach allows them to take fewer trades with higher profit targets, reducing the total number of trades needed to pass.
For traders who prefer high-frequency trading, scalping can be an effective way to pass Topstep quickly. Our scalping strategy focuses on taking small profits (2-4 points on ES) with tight stop losses (1-2 points). This approach requires excellent execution skills and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
Scalping typically results in a higher number of trades (30-50+ per challenge), but each trade carries less risk. This can be advantageous for traders who struggle with holding positions overnight or who prefer to take many small profits rather than a few large ones.
Breakout trading involves entering positions when price breaks through key support or resistance levels. This strategy works particularly well during high-volatility periods, such as the market open or during major news events.
Our breakout trading strategy for Topstep focuses on the first 2 hours of the New York session (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM ET), when volume and volatility are highest. By combining breakout signals with volume confirmation, our traders achieve high win rates on these setups.
The most successful Topstep traders don’t rely on a single strategy. Instead, they combine multiple approaches and adapt to current market conditions. Flexibility and adaptability are key to consistent success in prop firm trading.
No discussion of how many trades you need to pass Topstep would be complete without addressing risk management. In fact, risk management is arguably more important than the trading strategy itself. A mediocre strategy with excellent risk management will outperform a great strategy with poor risk management every time.
Precision risk control is the foundation of intelligent prop firm trading
The most fundamental risk management rule in trading is the 1% rule: never risk more than 1% of your account on a single trade. For a $50K Topstep account, this means risking no more than $500 per trade. For a $100K account, the maximum risk is $1,000 per trade.
Following the 1% rule ensures that even a string of losses won’t wipe out your account. If you lose 10 trades in a row risking 1% per trade, you’ve only lost 10% of your accountβwell within Topstep’s drawdown limits.
Proper position sizing is crucial for Topstep success. Here’s how to calculate your position size:
Position Size = (Account Risk per Trade) Γ· (Trade Risk in Points Γ Point Value)
Example: $50K account, 1% risk ($500), trading ES with 4-point stop loss
Position Size = $500 Γ· (4 Γ $50) = 2.5 contracts β Round to 2 contracts
By using this formula, you ensure that each trade carries the same dollar risk regardless of the instrument or stop loss distance. This consistency is key to long-term success.
The trailing drawdown is perhaps the most challenging aspect of Topstep’s rules. Unlike a fixed drawdown, the trailing drawdown moves up as your account grows, which means you need to be especially careful once you start making profits.
Here are our top tips for managing the trailing drawdown:
Trading psychology is often overlooked but is crucial for Topstep success. The pressure of passing an evaluation can lead to emotional decision-making, which is the enemy of profitable trading.
Mental discipline and emotional control are essential for prop firm challenge success
Our traders follow strict psychological protocols, including:
These psychological practices help our traders maintain discipline and avoid the emotional pitfalls that cause most traders to fail prop firm challenges.
Topstep supports multiple trading platforms, giving traders flexibility in how they execute their strategies. Understanding these platforms and how to use them effectively is crucial for Topstep success.
Professional trading setups support multiple platforms for optimal execution
NinjaTrader is one of the most popular platforms for futures trading and is fully supported by Topstep. It offers advanced charting, automated trading capabilities, and a large ecosystem of third-party indicators and strategies. Many of our traders prefer NinjaTrader for its flexibility and powerful features.
Tradovate is a modern, cloud-based trading platform that offers excellent mobile trading capabilities. Many traders ask how to connect Topstep to Tradovateβthe process is straightforward through the Topstep dashboard. Tradovate is particularly popular among traders who want to trade on the go or who prefer a cleaner, more modern interface.
For those wondering how to copy trades on Tradovate or how to copy trade on Topstep, there are several third-party tools and services available. Our prop firm services team can help you set up trade copying between accounts if needed.
TopstepX, also known as Quantower Project X, is Topstep’s proprietary trading platform built in partnership with Quantower. It offers advanced charting, DOM (Depth of Market) trading, and seamless integration with Topstep’s evaluation system. Many traders find TopstepX to be the most intuitive platform for Topstep trading.
For those asking how to download TopstepX or TopstepX how to set ATM (Advanced Trade Management), the process is covered in Topstep’s comprehensive documentation. Our team can also provide personalized guidance on setting up ATM strategies for optimal trade management.
| Feature | NinjaTrader | Tradovate | TopstepX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charting Quality | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Mobile Trading | Limited | Excellent | Good |
| Automated Trading | Excellent | Limited | Good |
| DOM Trading | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Learning Curve | Steep | Moderate | Moderate |
Choosing the right platform depends on your trading style and preferences. Our traders are proficient on all three platforms and can help you optimize your setup for maximum efficiency.
One of the most common comparisons in the prop firm industry is Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep. Both are reputable firms offering futures trading evaluations, but they have significant differences that make one more suitable than the other depending on your trading style and goals.
Topstep offers access to major futures markets including gold, crude oil, and equity indices
For most serious traders, we recommend Topstep due to its superior rules structure and long-term earning potential. The absence of a consistency rule alone makes Topstep significantly easier to pass than Apex. However, for traders on a tight budget or those just starting out, Apex can be a good stepping stone.
Our prop firm passing service handles both Topstep and Apex challenges, and we can help you choose the right firm based on your specific situation and goals.
Comprehensive solutions for traders seeking funded account success
Our flagship service helps you pass Topstep, Apex, and other major prop firm challenges with a 95%+ success rate. Professional traders execute your challenge using proven strategies.
Once funded, our experts manage your account to maximize profits while respecting all firm rules. We handle the trading so you can focus on other priorities.
Comprehensive forex trading management for MT4/MT5 accounts. Our traders specialize in major pairs, indices, and commodities with consistent returns.
Custom expert advisors designed specifically for prop firm challenges. Our EAs are optimized for Topstep, Apex, and other major firms’ rule sets.
Learn from our professional traders with comprehensive courses on strategy, risk management, and trading psychology. Build skills for long-term success.
We help you set up your trading platforms, configure ATM strategies, and optimize your workspace for maximum efficiency and performance.
With so many prop firm services available, why should you trust us with your Topstep challenge? Here are the key reasons thousands of traders choose us:
Our team of professional traders brings decades of combined experience
With over 15,000 successful challenge passes and a 95%+ success rate, we have the most impressive track record in the industry. Our results are verified on Myfxbook and backed by thousands of positive reviews on Trustpilot and other platforms.
Our team consists of professional traders with 10+ years of experience in futures and forex markets. Each trader is rigorously vetted and continuously monitored to ensure consistent performance.
We believe in complete transparency. All our trading is verified on Myfxbook, and we provide regular updates to our clients throughout the challenge process. No hidden fees, no surprises.
We’re so confident in our ability to pass your challenge that we offer a full money-back guarantee if we fail. This is the ultimate testament to our skill and commitment to client success.
Our support team is available around the clock via Telegram, WhatsApp, Discord, and email. Whether you have questions about Topstep rules, need help with platform setup, or want to discuss strategy, we’re here to help.
We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Each challenge is customized based on the client’s risk tolerance, timeline, and specific requirements. This personalized approach is key to our high success rate.
Most Topstep challenges are completed within 7-14 days, significantly faster than the industry average. We understand that time is money, and we work efficiently to get you funded as quickly as possible.
Our relationship doesn’t end when you pass the challenge. We offer ongoing support for funded accounts, including account management, scaling strategies, and payout optimization.
Choose the plan that fits your needs and budget
Real results from real challenges, verified and transparent
Since our founding, we’ve successfully passed over 15,000 prop firm challenges across Topstep, Apex, and other major firms.
Our funded account management service has generated over $47 million in profits for our clients since inception.
With 2,847+ reviews across Trustpilot, Google, and other platforms, we maintain one of the highest ratings in the industry.
Our clients celebrate consistent success with our professional trading services
Real reviews from real traders who passed with our help
“Passed my Topstep $100K challenge in just 6 days! The team was professional, responsive, and delivered exactly as promised. Highly recommend their prop firm passing service.”
“I failed Topstep 3 times on my own before finding Prop Firm Services. They passed it on the first try and now manage my funded account. Best investment I’ve made in my trading career.”
“The transparency and professionalism of this team is unmatched. Myfxbook verified results, daily updates, and they actually care about your success. 10/10 would recommend.”
“Passed both Topstep and Apex challenges within 2 weeks. The team’s knowledge of prop firm rules is incredible. They know exactly how to navigate each firm’s specific requirements.”
“I was skeptical at first, but the money-back guarantee convinced me to try. They passed my $150K Topstep challenge and I’ve been profitable ever since. Legit service!”
“The best prop firm passing service I’ve used. Fast, reliable, and professional. They passed my challenge in 8 days and the communication throughout was excellent.”
We stand behind our work with a comprehensive money-back guarantee. If we fail to pass your Topstep challenge within the agreed timeframe, you receive a full refundβno questions asked. This guarantee reflects our confidence in our abilities and our commitment to client satisfaction.
We’ve built our reputation on trust and transparency. Every challenge we take on is one we’re confident we can pass. Our 95%+ success rate speaks for itself, and our refund policy ensures you have nothing to lose by trying our service.
For complete details on our refund policy, please contact us via Telegram or WhatsApp.
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Everything you need to know about passing Topstep
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