Guide · Last updated: October 13, 2026

What are isolated and cross margin?

With isolated margin each position gets its own margin and the loss is at most that margin. With cross margin your whole account balance is used as collateral for the positions, so the loss can spread across the entire balance.

Isolated margin

You assign a specific amount of margin to the position. If the loss exceeds it the position is liquidated but the rest of your account isn't affected. It makes limiting risk per position easier.

Cross margin

The whole balance is shared collateral. The liquidation price is usually further away, but a big loss on one position can consume the margin of the others too.

Which and when?

Isolated margin is more predictable for single positions with known risk. Cross margin is used in strategies where several positions protect one another, but it needs careful monitoring.

Example

You have 1,000 USDT and open an isolated long with 100 USDT margin. The worst case is losing 100 USDT. With cross margin the full 1,000 USDT would act as collateral if price fell sharply.

Where do you see it in KARDVANE?

The position calculator and My positions estimate the liquidation price assuming isolated margin.

FAQ

Which margin type is safer?

Isolated is more predictable because it limits the loss to the margin assigned; it isn't safety on its own, a stop is still needed.

This page is educational; it is not investment advice.