The leverage controls are located in the Position widget on the left side of the Trade page.
Drag the leverage scale to select your desired leverage level. You can set and adjust your leverage mode by clicking on the Cross/Isolated button in the top of Leverage Controls panel. By default, the slider is set to Cross (cross margin). Once you change the leverage mode, it remains at your selected setting until you exit the position. After the position is closed, leverage automatically reverts to Cross shortly after.
What happens when I change my leverage on an open position?
Changing leverage on an open position takes effect immediately. The adjustment reallocates margin between your position and your Available Balance.
- Increasing leverage reduces the margin assigned to your position. The freed-up margin returns to your Available Balance. Your liquidation price moves closer to the current market price.
- Decreasing leverage increases the margin assigned to your position. The additional margin is drawn from your Available Balance. Your liquidation price moves further from the current market price.
This instant reallocation means you can manage risk in real time without closing and reopening positions. Monitor your liquidation price after any leverage change to confirm it sits at an acceptable distance from the current price.
What is the difference between Cross and Isolated Margin?
Cross margin and isolated margin determine how your account balance supports open positions.
- Cross margin uses your entire Available Balance as trading collateral. All positions share the same margin pool. This provides a larger buffer against liquidation but puts your full balance at risk.
- Isolated margin assigns a fixed amount of margin to a single position. If that position is liquidated, only the assigned margin is lost. The rest of your account remains untouched.
For a detailed comparison, refer to the BitMEX Isolated and Cross Margin guide.