Prop firm scaling plans explained

A scaling plan lets a funded trader grow account size, position limits or profit split over time. Firms use the term differently. This guide explains the three main types, how they work at firms we track and how to judge whether a plan is worth anything to you.

What a scaling plan is

Scaling means the firm gives you more after you prove consistent results. "More" can mean:

• A bigger account balance.
• A higher maximum position size on the same account.
• A higher profit split.

Some plans combine all three. Others only change one. Find out which before you count on it.

Type 1: Time-and-profit balance increases

This model raises the account balance after a set period, if you hit a profit level and take payouts along the way.

FTMO is the clearest example. Its scaling plan page lists these conditions, checked 3 November 2026:

• At least 4 months trading as an FTMO Trader, or since your last scale-up.
• At least 10% net simulated profit above the starting balance within those 4 months.
• At least 2 processed rewards in the same period.
• A positive balance at the time of scale-up.

If you qualify, the account grows by 25%. FTMO lists a maximum of $2,000,000 across all your FTMO accounts. The plan applies to accounts from the 1-Step or 2-Step Challenge, not the Instant Account.

The strength of this model is predictability. The weakness is time. Four months is a long time to stay inside daily and maximum loss limits.

Type 2: Milestone-based scaling

Milestone plans grow the account each time you reach a profit target, rather than on a calendar.

The5ers builds its brand around this. Its High Stakes page says the account scales up each time you meet a 10% target. The profit split rises with balance in its published table:

• 80% at balances up to $150,000.
• 85% at $175,000 and $200,000.
• 90% at $250,000 and $300,000.
• 100% plus a fixed payout at higher tiers.

The table is detailed, but The5ers' own pages are not always consistent with each other. Confirm the current table for your program before you rely on it. Our The5ers review notes this.

Milestone plans can reward strong traders quickly. They also mean every scale-up starts a new 10% climb, usually with the same loss limits in percentage terms.

Type 3: Position-size scaling

Futures firms often use "scaling plan" to mean something else. Here, the account size stays the same. What grows is the number of contracts you may hold.

Topstep uses this model on its Express Funded Account. Its help center explains:

• Your maximum position size depends on your current balance.
• Limits are counted in mini-equivalents, with 10 micros equal to 1 mini.
• The limit does not increase mid-session. A new tier applies at the next session.
• Holding too many contracts for 10 seconds or more may lead to an account review.

Topstep's Live Funded Account does not use this plan. It uses a different system it calls Dynamic Live Risk Expansion.

This type of plan is a constraint, not a reward. A new funded trader may start with fewer contracts than the evaluation allowed. Plan your sizing around the lowest tier, not the top one.

How scaling interacts with drawdown

A larger account usually brings a larger dollar drawdown. The percentage often stays the same. That matters for your risk per trade.

An illustrative example:

• $100,000 account with a 10% maximum loss: $10,000 of room.
• After a 25% scale-up to $125,000: $12,500 of room.
• If you keep risking the same dollar amount per trade, your risk as a percentage falls.
• If you increase size to match, your percentage risk stays the same.

Neither choice is wrong. Decide in advance. Our position size calculator helps you keep risk per trade steady as the balance changes.

How to judge a scaling plan

Ask these questions before a scaling plan influences your choice of firm:

1. What grows? Balance, contracts or split?
2. What triggers it? Time, profit, number of payouts or all three?
3. Is it automatic? Or must you request it?
4. Do the rules reset? Some plans restart the clock or the profit target after each step.
5. Is there a cap? FTMO lists $2,000,000 across accounts. Others may differ.
6. Does it apply to your program? Instant or discounted programs may be excluded.

Who benefits most

Scaling plans suit traders with steady, modest monthly returns and low variance. They suit traders who can stay funded for months. They add little value if you trade very aggressively or expect to lose the account early.

Be realistic. Reaching the higher tiers takes months of rule-compliant trading. Choose a firm for its evaluation rules, drawdown type and payout terms first. Treat scaling as a bonus, not the reason to buy.

Common mistakes

• Assuming the top-tier split applies from day one.
• Increasing size too quickly after a scale-up.
• Skipping payouts to "grow faster" when the plan requires payouts to qualify.
• Ignoring position limits on a futures funded account.

Key takeaways

• "Scaling plan" can mean a bigger balance, more contracts or a higher split.
• FTMO scales by 25% every 4 months if its conditions are met.
• The5ers scales on each 10% target, with the split rising by tier.
• Topstep's scaling plan limits contracts by balance on Express Funded Accounts.

Compare more firms on our comparison page or browse rules by challenge.

Scaling terms change. Confirm current conditions on each firm's official site before you buy. This guide is educational and not financial advice. Trading involves risk.