The prop firm consistency rule explained, with the math
A consistency rule limits how much of your profit can come from one day. 91 of 226 evaluations and 117 of 261 funded accounts we track have no consistency rule at all; the others set a limit, usually between 20% and 50%.
The calculation
Best day ÷ total profit ≤ the limit. With a 40% rule and a $3,000 target, your best day can be at most $1,200 when you reach $3,000.
If your best day was $2,000, you aren't done at $3,000: you need a total profit of at least $2,000 ÷ 40% = $5,000. You keep trading, with the same max loss, until the ratio fits.
Minimum days it forces
A consistency rule is also a hidden minimum number of days. With a limit of P%, you need at least 100 ÷ P profitable days:
- 50% → 2 days
- 40% → 3 days
- 30% → 4 days
- 20% → 5 days
We count this in the fastest first payout of every account.
Evaluation vs funded
Many firms apply the rule only in the evaluation, others only on the funded account (checked at each payout), some in both and with different limits. Some firms use tiers — for example 20% for the first payout, then looser. The cards show the rule of each phase separately.
If you trade in bursts — a few big days — look for accounts with no consistency rule.
FAQ
Does the consistency rule fail me or just delay me?
At most firms it delays you: you keep trading until the ratio fits. A few firms treat a breach as a failed evaluation or a refused payout — check the firm's rule.
Are losing days part of the calculation?
Usually the rule compares your best day with your total net profit, so losing days lower the total and make the ratio harder to meet.
General information, not financial or tax advice. Figures about accounts come from our data and update with it.