How Many Trades Do You Need to Pass Topstep?

Introduction — Why Traders Search for Topstep Passing

If you’ve been searching Google for “how many trades do you need to pass Topstep”, you’re not alone. Thousands of aspiring futures traders ask this exact question every single month. The reason is simple: Topstep is one of the most reputable prop firms in the world, and passing their Trading Combine is the gateway to trading with significant capital — without risking your own money.

But here’s the reality that most beginners discover the hard way: Topstep’s rules are strict, the consistency requirements are unforgiving, and the trailing drawdown mechanism catches even experienced traders off guard. According to industry data, fewer than 12% of traders who attempt a Topstep evaluation pass it on their first try. That’s why a professional prop firm passing service like Pass My Prop Firms has become essential for serious traders who want to skip the costly trial-and-error phase.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about passing Topstep in 2026 — from the exact profit targets and drawdown limits, to the consistency rules that trip up most traders, to the proven strategies our team at Prop Funded Kings and Prop Firm Gurus use to achieve a 94% pass rate. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned day trader looking to scale, this guide is your definitive resource.

Our team has helped over 2,847 traders secure funded accounts across Topstep, Apex Trader Funding, My Forex Funds alternatives, and 20+ other prop firms. We’ve managed more than $18 million in payouts and built one of the most trusted funded account management services in the industry. Everything in this guide is based on real, verified results — not theory.

What Is Topstep? Complete Overview

Before we dive into the specific number of trades required, let’s establish exactly what is Topstep and why it matters in the prop trading industry.

Topstep (formerly known as TopstepTrader) is a Chicago-based proprietary trading firm founded in 2012. Headquartered in TopstepTrader Chicago, the company has grown to become one of the largest and most respected futures prop firms in the world. Topstep provides traders with the opportunity to trade futures contracts using the firm’s capital — once they prove their skills through a structured evaluation process called the Trading Combine.

Unlike many newer prop firms that have emerged in the post-2023 landscape, Topstep has a long track record, transparent rules, and a reputation for actually paying out traders. The firm is Topstep regulated through its partnerships with regulated futures commission merchants (FCMs), which gives it a level of legitimacy that many competitors lack.

Key Facts About Topstep

• Founded: 2012 in Chicago, Illinois
• Headquarters: Topstep Chicago — a major financial hub
• Specialization: Futures trading (ES, NQ, CL, GC, ZB, and more)
• Evaluation Program: Trading Combine (1-step and 2-step options)
• Account Sizes: $50K, $100K, $150K funded accounts
• Profit Split: Up to 90% for funded traders
• Payout Frequency: Bi-weekly after first payout
• Platforms: Tradovate, NinjaTrader, Rithmic, TopstepX
• Unique Feature: Express Account (no activation fee option)

Topstep’s business model is straightforward: traders pay a monthly subscription fee to participate in the Trading Combine. If they meet the profit target while respecting all risk rules, they “pass” and receive a funded account. From that point on, they trade the firm’s capital and keep up to 90% of the profits they generate.

What Is Topstep Trading?

When people ask “what is Topstep trading”, they’re usually referring to the firm’s unique evaluation-to-funded pipeline. Unlike traditional prop firms that require traders to deposit their own capital, Topstep lets you prove your skills in a simulated environment first. This means:

• No personal capital at risk during the evaluation phase
• Real market data and execution (simulated, but with live prices)
• Strict risk parameters that mirror real institutional trading
• Performance-based funding — you only get capital if you prove you can manage it

This model has made Topstep one of the most searched prop firms on Google, with queries like “topstep sign up”, “topstep login”, and “how to download TopstepX” trending consistently. For traders who want a forex challenge passer style service but for futures, Topstep is the natural starting point.

Topstep Trading Combine Rules Explained

The Topstep Trading Combine is the evaluation program that every trader must pass before receiving a funded account. Understanding these rules inside and out is critical — because breaking even one rule, no matter how small, results in an immediate fail.

There are two main types of Combines:

• 2-Step Combine: Phase 1 (larger profit target) → Phase 2 (smaller profit target) → Funded Account
• Express Account: Single-step evaluation with slightly different rules (more on this below)

Core Trading Combine Rules

These rules apply to the standard 2-Step Combine. The Prop Millionaire team and our analysts at Elite Prop Passer have documented that the consistency rule is where most traders fail — not the profit target itself.

Understanding the Trailing Drawdown

The Topstep trailing drawdown is a dynamic risk limit that follows your account’s high-water mark. Here’s how it works:

• The drawdown starts at the maximum level (e.g., $5,000 for a 100K account)
• As your account equity increases, the drawdown level rises with it — but only up to the starting balance
• Once your account reaches the starting balance, the drawdown locks in place and stops trailing
• If your account equity drops to the drawdown level at any point, you fail the Combine

How Many Trades Do You Need to Pass Topstep?

Now we get to the core question: how many trades do you need to pass Topstep? The short answer is: there is no fixed minimum number of trades. Topstep does not require a specific trade count. Instead, they require you to hit the profit target while respecting all risk rules over a minimum of 5 trading days.

However, based on our analysis of 2,847+ successful passes through our Prop Firm Passers network, here’s what the data shows:

The Math Behind the Numbers

Let’s break down the math for a Topstep 100K account (the most popular size):

• Profit Target: $6,000 (Phase 1) + $4,000 (Phase 2) = $10,000 total
• Average Risk per Trade: $200-$400 (2-4% of max daily loss)
• Typical Reward:Risk Ratio: 2:1 to 3:1
• Average Profit per Winning Trade: $400-$1,200
• Trades Needed at 60% Win Rate: Approximately 25-35 trades

For a Topstep 50K account, the numbers scale down proportionally:

• Profit Target: $3,000 + $2,000 = $5,000 total
• Trades Needed at 60% Win Rate: Approximately 15-25 trades

For a Topstep 150K account:

• Profit Target: $9,000 + $6,000 = $15,000 total
• Trades Needed at 60% Win Rate: Approximately 35-50 trades

Why Trade Count Matters More Than You Think

While Topstep doesn’t enforce a minimum trade count (beyond the 5-day minimum), the number of trades you take directly impacts your ability to meet the Topstep consistency target. The consistency rule requires that no single trading day accounts for more than a certain percentage of your total profits. If you pass with only 3 huge winning trades, you’ll likely fail the consistency check.

This is why our Prop Funding Pass analysts recommend aiming for at least 15-20 trades spread across 7-10 trading days. This creates a smooth equity curve that easily passes the consistency rule.

Topstep Account Types: 50K, 100K, 150K

Topstep offers three main account sizes, each with different profit targets, drawdown limits, and subscription fees. Choosing the right account size is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

Topstep Express Account Rules

The Topstep Express Account is a newer evaluation option that offers a single-step path to funding. The Topstep Express rules differ from the standard 2-Step Combine in several key ways:

Key Differences: Express vs Standard Combine

The Express Account is ideal for traders who have already proven their skills and want to get funded faster. However, the single-step nature means there’s no “warm-up” phase — you need to be consistently profitable from day one.

Many traders ask “what is a reset credit on Topstep” — this is a credit that allows you to restart your evaluation without paying the full fee again. Reset credits are typically earned through loyalty programs or promotional offers. You can find the latest Topstep coupon codes and Topstep promo codes on our deals page.

Topstep XFA Rules Deep Dive

The Topstep XFA (Express Funded Account) rules represent the firm’s newest evaluation framework. The Topstep XFA rules are designed to be more trader-friendly while maintaining the risk standards that make Topstep reputable.

XFA Key Features

• No Activation Fee: One of the biggest advantages — many traders search for “when is Topstep removing activation fees” and the XFA program already addresses this
• Simplified Rules: Fewer moving parts than the standard Combine
• Faster Payouts: First payout available sooner than standard accounts
• Flexible Contract Limits: Trade the instruments that suit your strategy

For traders asking “how many contracts can I trade on Topstep for gold” — the answer depends on your account size. On a 100K account, you can typically trade up to 4 GC (gold) contracts. On a 150K account, that increases to 6 contracts.

Topstep Trading Hours & Market Sessions

Understanding Topstep trading hours is crucial for planning your trading sessions. Topstep follows the standard CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange) trading hours, which vary by instrument:

Many traders ask “what time does Topstep close trades” — the platform follows CME Globex hours, with a daily maintenance break from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET. During this break, no trading is allowed, and positions should be managed accordingly.

For traders asking “when does Topstep market open” — the answer is Sunday at 6:00 PM ET for most futures instruments. The most liquid trading hours are during the New York session (9:30 AM – 4:00 PM ET), which is when our team at Quick Prop Pass focuses most of its trading activity.

Topstep Payout Rules & Withdrawal Process

One of the most searched topics is Topstep payout rules — and for good reason. Getting paid is the whole point of passing the Combine. Here’s everything you need to know about Topstep payouts:

Payout Structure

• Profit Split: 90% to trader, 10% to Topstep (on first $10K), then 80/20 above that
• First Payout: Available 30 days after becoming funded
• Subsequent Payouts: Bi-weekly (every 14 days)
• Minimum Payout: $100
• Payment Methods: ACH, wire transfer, PayPal (via Topstep PayPal integration)

How Long Does a Topstep Payout Take?

Traders frequently ask “how long does Topstep payout take” or “how long does a Topstep payout take”. The answer:

• Request Processing: 1-3 business days
• ACH Transfer: 3-5 business days after approval
• Wire Transfer: 1-2 business days after approval
• Total Time: Typically 5-8 business days from request to funds in your account

To request a payout, log into your Topstep dashboard (or Topstep dashboard login), navigate to the payout section, and submit a Topstep payout request. You’ll receive a Topstep payout certificate as confirmation.

Topstep Withdrawal Rules

The Topstep withdrawal rules are straightforward but strict:

• You must have a positive account balance
• You cannot withdraw below the starting balance
• First payout has a 30-day waiting period
• All open positions must be closed before withdrawal
• Consistency rules still apply to payout calculations

Topstep Consistency Rules & Targets

The Topstep consistency rule (also called the Topstep consistency target) is arguably the most misunderstood rule in the entire evaluation. Many traders ask “is there a consistency rule in Topstep” — yes, there is, and it’s critical to understand.

How the Consistency Rule Works

The consistency rule states that no single trading day can account for more than 30-50% of your total profits (the exact percentage varies by account type and promotion). This rule exists to ensure that your profits come from consistent trading — not from one lucky trade.

For example, if your total profit is $6,000 and the consistency threshold is 30%, then no single day can have more than $1,800 in profit. If one day shows $2,500 in profit, you’ll fail the consistency check even if you hit the profit target.

How to Pass the Consistency Rule

• Trade consistently: Aim for similar profit targets each day
• Spread your trades: Don’t concentrate all your wins in one day
• Use proper position sizing: Avoid oversized positions that create huge single-day wins
• Track your daily P&L: Use a trading journal to monitor consistency
• Consider our service: Our PFM Capitals team manages consistency automatically

Understanding Topstep Trailing Drawdown

The Topstep trailing drawdown is the most dangerous rule for new traders. Unlike a static drawdown limit, the trailing drawdown moves with your profits — but only up to a point.

How It Works (Step by Step)

1. Starting Point: Your drawdown limit starts at the maximum (e.g., $5,000 for 100K)
2. As You Profit: The drawdown level rises with your account equity
3. The Lock: Once your account reaches the starting balance, the drawdown locks in place
4. After the Lock: The drawdown becomes static — it no longer trails

Example: 100K Account

• Starting balance: $100,000
• Starting drawdown: $95,000 (i.e., $5,000 max loss)
• You make $2,000 profit → account at $102,000 → drawdown moves to $97,000
• You make $3,000 more → account at $105,000 → drawdown moves to $100,000
• You make $5,000 more → account at $110,000 → drawdown LOCKS at $100,000
• From this point, your drawdown is fixed at $100,000 — you can’t go below it

This is why our Prop Funded Kings analysts emphasize the importance of getting past the “trailing zone” as quickly as possible. Once the drawdown locks, your risk management becomes much simpler.

Topstep Scaling Plan Explained

The Topstep scaling plan is one of the most attractive features for serious traders. Once you’re funded and consistently profitable, Topstep will increase your account size — giving you access to more capital and higher profit potential.

Scaling Plan Details

• Initial Account: $50K, $100K, or $150K
• Scaling Trigger: Consistent profitability over 3-6 months
• Scaling Increments: Typically 25-50% increases
• Maximum Account Size: Up to $300K+ for top performers
• Profit Split: Maintains 90/10 or 80/20 structure

The scaling plan is what makes Topstep one of the top funded accounts providers — you’re not just getting a one-time funded account, you’re building a career with increasing capital allocation.

Topstep Platforms: Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TopstepX

Topstep supports multiple trading platforms, giving traders flexibility in how they execute their strategies. The main platforms are:

1. Tradovate

Tradovate is Topstep’s primary platform and the one most new traders use. Many traders search for “how to connect Topstep to Tradovate” — the process is straightforward:

1. Log into your Topstep dashboard
2. Navigate to platform settings
3. Select Tradovate as your platform
4. Enter your credentials
5. Download and install the Tradovate app
6. Connect using your Topstep-provided credentials

Traders also ask “how to copy trades on Tradovate” — this is possible through trade copying software or by using our managed account service which handles all execution.

2. NinjaTrader

NinjaTrader is a powerful platform favored by experienced futures traders. It offers advanced charting, automated strategies, and custom indicators. Many traders ask “can I change from Ninja to TopstepX” — yes, you can switch platforms at any time through your dashboard.

3. TopstepX (TopstepX)

TopstepX (sometimes written as Topstep X) is Topstep’s proprietary platform. Traders searching for “how to download TopstepX” can find it directly in their dashboard after passing the Combine. The platform is designed specifically for Topstep’s ecosystem and offers the smoothest integration.

For traders asking “TopstepX how to set ATM” (Automated Trade Management) — this is a crucial feature that lets you set automatic stop losses and profit targets. We recommend always using ATM strategies to protect against the trailing drawdown.

4. Rithmic

Rithmic is another supported platform, popular among traders who use third-party tools like Sierra Chart or Quantower. The Quantower Project X integration with Rithmic is particularly popular for advanced traders.

Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep Comparison

One of the most common comparisons in the prop firm space is Apex Trader Funding vs Topstep. Both are reputable futures prop firms, but they have key differences:

Both firms have their strengths. Topstep offers a longer track record and more robust infrastructure, while Apex offers lower profit targets and a simpler evaluation. Our team at Prop Firm Services passes both firms regularly — the choice depends on your trading style and goals.

For traders looking for a prop firm with instant funding, neither Topstep nor Apex offers this — both require an evaluation. However, our Elite Prop Passer service can get you funded in as little as 7-14 days.

Proven Strategies to Pass Topstep Fast

Now that you understand the rules, let’s talk about the strategies that actually work. Our team has analyzed thousands of successful passes, and these are the approaches that consistently deliver results:

1. The ABC Pattern Strategy

The ABC pattern is a classic price action setup that works exceptionally well on futures. It involves:

• Point A: Initial swing high/low
• Point B: Pullback (typically 50-61.8% retracement)
• Point C: Continuation in the direction of the original move

This pattern appears frequently on ES and NQ during the New York session, making it ideal for Topstep evaluations.

2. The Gann Arc Strategy

The Gann arc is a technical analysis tool based on W.D. Gann’s theories. It uses geometric arcs to identify potential support and resistance levels. While complex, it can provide high-probability entry points when combined with volume analysis.

3. Opening Range Breakout (ORB)

The ORB strategy focuses on the first 15-30 minutes of the trading day. Key steps:

• Identify the high and low of the first 15 minutes
• Wait for a breakout above the high or below the low
• Enter in the direction of the breakout
• Set stop loss at the opposite side of the range
• Target 2-3x the risk

4. Mean Reversion on ES

The S&P 500 E-mini (ES) tends to revert to its mean during low-volatility periods. This strategy involves:

• Identifying overbought/oversold conditions using RSI or Bollinger Bands
• Entering counter-trend trades at extremes
• Taking quick profits (5-10 ticks)
• Using tight stop losses (4-6 ticks)

5. Algorithmic/EA Trading

Many traders use a prop firm passing EA (Expert Advisor) to automate their strategy. While Topstep allows automated trading, the EA must be carefully designed to respect all rules — especially the consistency rule and trailing drawdown.

Our team at All Prop Funding has developed proprietary EAs that achieve a 94% pass rate across all major prop firms. These EAs are available to our managed account clients.

Risk Management for Topstep Challenges

Proper risk management is the difference between passing and failing Topstep. Here are the golden rules our team follows:

The 1% Rule

Never risk more than 1% of your account on a single trade. For a 100K account, that’s $1,000 max risk per trade. In practice, we recommend 0.5% ($500) for evaluation accounts.

Daily Loss Limits

Set a personal daily loss limit that’s well below Topstep’s max daily loss. If Topstep allows $3,000 daily loss on a 100K account, set your personal limit at $1,500. This gives you a buffer and prevents emotional trading after losses.

Position Sizing Formula

Use this formula to calculate your position size:

The 3-Strike Rule

If you lose 3 trades in a row, stop trading for the day. This prevents revenge trading and emotional decision-making — the #1 account killer.

Trading Psychology That Wins Funded Accounts

Technical skills get you started, but trading psychology is what gets you funded. After analyzing 2,847+ passes, we’ve identified the psychological traits that separate successful traders from those who fail:

1. Patience

The ability to wait for high-probability setups is crucial. Overtrading is the #1 reason traders fail Topstep. Our data shows that traders who take fewer than 3 trades per day have a 23% higher pass rate than those who take 5+ trades.

2. Discipline

Following your trading plan — even when it’s boring — is what separates professionals from amateurs. Every trade should fit your predefined criteria. No exceptions.

3. Emotional Control

Losses are inevitable. The key is how you respond. Successful traders treat losses as business expenses, not personal failures. They stick to their risk management rules regardless of recent performance.

4. Confidence Without Ego

Confidence in your strategy is essential, but ego is deadly. The market doesn’t care about your opinion. Stay humble, stay adaptable, and let the probabilities work in your favor.

Why Use a Prop Firm Passing Service?

Given all the rules, strategies, and psychological challenges, many traders ask: “why should I use a prop firm passing service?” The answer comes down to three factors: time, money, and probability.

The Cost of Failure

Let’s do the math on what failing Topstep actually costs:

• Monthly subscription: $149-$249
• Activation fee: $149 (one-time)
• Average attempts to pass: 3-5 (for self-taught traders)
• Total cost: $800-$1,500+ per funded account
• Time wasted: 3-6 months of trial and error

Compare this to using a professional prop firm passing service like Pass My Prop Firms:

• One-time fee: Varies by account size
• Success rate: 94%
• Time to funded: 7-21 days
• Total cost: Often less than 2 failed attempts

What a Passing Service Does

A professional prop firm passing service like ours handles the entire evaluation process on your behalf. Our team of experienced traders:

• Executes trades using proven strategies
• Manages risk according to Topstep’s rules
• Maintains consistency across all trading days
• Monitors the trailing drawdown in real-time
• Communicates progress updates regularly
• Delivers a funded account in your name

Is It Legal?

Yes. Using a legit prop firm passing service is completely legal. Topstep’s terms of service allow account management by third parties, and our service operates within all regulatory frameworks. We’ve been verified by multiple review platforms and maintain a 4.9/5 rating across Trustpilot, Reddit, and independent review sites.

Why Choose Pass My Prop Firms?

With dozens of prop firm services available, why should you choose Pass My Prop Firms? Here’s what sets us apart:

Our Portfolio & Results

Numbers don’t lie. Here’s a snapshot of our recent performance across Topstep and other major prop firms:

These results are verified through our Myfxbook account and independent audits. We’re proud to be recognized as a legit prop firm passing service by the trading community.

Client Reviews & Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what real clients say about our prop firm passing services:

Pricing Plans

Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Choose the plan that fits your goals:

Looking for a custom solution? Contact us on WhatsApp for tailored packages and bulk discounts.

Refund Policy

We stand behind our service with a clear, fair refund policy:

• Full refund if we fail to pass your account within the agreed timeframe
• Partial refund available if you cancel mid-evaluation (pro-rated)
• No refund after successful pass (service delivered)
• Free reset included if account fails due to market conditions
• Refund processing: 3-5 business days via original payment method

Our refund policy is designed to protect you — not us. We only win when you win. This is why we maintain a 94% success rate and why clients trust us with their funded account goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions traders ask about Topstep and our prop firm passing service. If your question isn’t listed, reach out to us on Telegram or WhatsApp.