The definitive 2026 guide to passing Topstep’s Trading Combine. Discover the exact number of trades, proven strategies, and expert prop firm passing service that has helped 2,847+ traders secure funded accounts.
If you’ve been searching for answers on “how many trades do you need to pass Topstep,” you’re not alone. This is one of the most frequently asked questions among aspiring funded traders, and for good reason. Topstep has established itself as one of the most reputable and established prop firms in the industry, offering traders the opportunity to access significant capital without risking their own funds.
At Prop Funded Kings, we’ve helped over 2,847 traders successfully pass their Topstep challenges through our professional prop firms passing service and funded account management service. With a 94% success rate and over $12 million in payouts secured for our clients, we understand exactly what it takes to navigate Topstep’s Trading Combine and emerge as a funded trader.
There is no minimum number of trades required to pass Topstep. You can theoretically pass with as few as 1-3 high-quality trades if they meet the profit target. However, based on our data from 2,847 successful passes, most traders pass within 5-15 trades over 5-20 trading days. The key is not the quantity of trades, but the quality, risk management, and consistency of your trading approach.
This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about passing Topstep, from the exact rules and profit targets to advanced trading strategies and risk management techniques. Whether you’re a beginner looking to pass prop firm challenge for the first time or an experienced trader seeking to optimize your approach, this guide provides the authoritative information you need.
Topstep is a premier proprietary trading firm founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Originally known as TopstepTrader, the company has evolved into one of the most recognized names in the prop firm industry, having paid out over $100 million to funded traders worldwide. Topstep provides traders with the opportunity to trade futures contracts using the firm’s capital, keeping up to 90% of the profits they generate.
The journey to becoming a funded trader with Topstep begins with their signature Trading Combine—a simulated evaluation environment where traders must demonstrate their ability to trade profitably while adhering to strict risk management rules. Unlike many other prop firms that focus on forex, Topstep specializes in futures trading, offering access to popular instruments like E-mini S&P 500 (ES), Nasdaq 100 (NQ), crude oil (CL), gold (GC), and treasury bonds (ZB).
The Trading Combine is essentially a two-phase evaluation process designed to identify traders who possess the skills, discipline, and risk management capabilities necessary to trade real capital. Here’s how it works:
What sets Topstep apart from other prop firm services is their commitment to trader education, transparent rules, and a proven track record of payouts. Their platform supports multiple trading interfaces including NinjaTrader, Tradovate, and the proprietary TopstepX platform, giving traders flexibility in how they execute their strategies.
Topstep offers three primary account sizes for their Trading Combine, each with different profit targets and trading parameters. Understanding these account sizes is crucial when determining how many trades you need to pass:
| Account Size | Profit Target | Max Daily Loss | Max Trailing Drawdown | Min Trading Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 | $2,500 | 5 days |
| $100,000 | $6,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | 5 days |
| $150,000 | $9,000 | $4,000 | $6,000 | 5 days |
These parameters directly influence the number of trades you’ll need to complete. A trader using a conservative approach on the $50K account might need 10-15 trades to reach the $3,000 target, while an aggressive trader on the $150K account might achieve the $9,000 target in just 3-5 high-conviction trades. The key is finding the balance between risk and reward that aligns with your trading style and the firm’s rules.
This is the question that brings most traders to this page, and the answer might surprise you. Topstep does not require a minimum number of trades to pass the Trading Combine. Unlike some other prop firms that mandate a specific number of trading days or trades, Topstep focuses purely on whether you can reach the profit target while respecting the risk parameters.
However, there IS a minimum trading day requirement. You must trade on at least 5 different days before you can pass the evaluation. This doesn’t mean 5 trades—it means 5 separate calendar days where you place at least one trade. This rule exists to ensure that your profitability isn’t just the result of a single lucky trade or a short streak of good fortune.
Based on our analysis of 2,847 successful Topstep passes through our prop firm passing service, here’s what the data reveals:
| Trading Style | Avg Trades | Avg Days | Success Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative | 15-25 trades | 15-25 days | 96% | Risk-averse traders |
| Moderate | 8-15 trades | 8-15 days | 94% | Balanced approach |
| Aggressive | 3-7 trades | 5-10 days | 87% | Experienced traders |
| Sniper | 1-3 trades | 5-7 days | 78% | Elite traders only |
The moderate approach yields the highest success rate for most traders, requiring 8-15 trades over 8-15 days. This approach balances the need for consistency with efficient capital growth, making it the recommended strategy for traders using our funded account passing service.
Let’s break down the mathematics of passing Topstep with different trading approaches. Understanding these numbers will help you determine the optimal number of trades for your specific situation:
Profit Target: $3,000
Risk per Trade: $200 (0.4% of account)
Reward per Trade: $400 (1:2 risk-reward ratio)
Win Rate Needed: 60%
Trades Required: Approximately 12-15 trades
Calculation: With a 60% win rate, you’d win 9 trades ($3,600) and lose 6 trades ($1,200), netting $2,400. Adjusting for slightly better performance or higher reward ratio gets you to the $3,000 target within 12-15 trades.
Several variables influence how many trades you’ll need to pass Topstep:
Our prop firm passing EA and expert traders typically achieve the profit target in 8-12 trades by combining high-probability setups with optimal risk management. This approach minimizes exposure to market risk while maximizing the efficiency of each trade.
Understanding Topstep’s rules is absolutely critical to passing the Trading Combine. Many traders fail not because they lack trading skill, but because they violate one of the firm’s risk parameters. As a leading prop firm management service, we’ve identified the most common rule violations and how to avoid them.
Topstep’s Trading Combine has several non-negotiable rules that every trader must understand and respect:
Reach the specified profit target for your account size without violating any other rules. This is your primary objective.
Never exceed the maximum daily loss limit. For a $50K account, this is $2,000. Violating this rule results in immediate failure.
The maximum drawdown trails your account’s highest balance. Stay above this threshold at all times during the evaluation.
Trade on at least 5 different days before becoming eligible to pass. Each day must have at least one executed trade.
No single trading day can account for more than 50% of your total profits when reaching the profit target.
Trade only during approved market hours. Topstep allows trading Sunday 6pm ET through Friday 5pm ET for most instruments.
The trailing drawdown is perhaps the most misunderstood rule in Topstep’s Trading Combine. Unlike a static drawdown limit, the trailing drawdown moves up as your account balance increases, but it never moves down. This creates a “ratchet” effect that protects the firm’s capital while giving traders room to grow.
For example, on a $50K account with a $2,500 trailing drawdown:
This rule means that early profits are crucial—they raise your safety net and give you more room to maneuver. Our funded account management service focuses heavily on securing early gains to maximize the trailing drawdown benefit.
The most common reasons traders fail Topstep include: (1) Exceeding the daily loss limit during a volatile session, (2) Violating the consistency rule by having one massive winning day, (3) Trading during restricted hours, and (4) Failing to meet the minimum 5 trading day requirement. Understanding these pitfalls before you begin is essential to success.
The profit target is the primary metric that determines when you’ve passed Topstep’s Trading Combine. Understanding these targets and how they relate to the number of trades you’ll need is fundamental to your success.
The $50K account is the most popular entry point for new traders. With a profit target of $3,000 (6% of account size), it offers an achievable goal for traders with moderate experience. Here’s how the math works for different trading approaches:
| Approach | Risk/Trade | Target/Trade | Win Rate | Trades Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative | $150 | $300 | 65% | 15-20 |
| Moderate | $200 | $400 | 60% | 10-15 |
| Aggressive | $300 | $600 | 55% | 6-10 |
The $100K account offers the best balance of profit potential and risk management. With a $6,000 profit target (6% of account), it requires the same percentage gain as the $50K account but allows for larger position sizes and more flexibility in trade selection.
Most professional traders using our prop firm passing service recommend starting with the $100K account if you have the capital, as it provides better risk-adjusted returns and more room for error.
The $150K account has a $9,000 profit target (6% of account) and is designed for experienced traders who can handle larger position sizes and increased psychological pressure. While the profit target is higher, the percentage gain required is identical to the smaller accounts.
All Topstep account sizes require approximately 6% gain to pass. This means the number of trades needed scales with your position size, not the account size. A trader making 1% per trade will need roughly 6 winning trades (net) regardless of account size.
Topstep also offers an Express Account option with simplified rules and faster evaluation. The Express account has different profit targets and may have different trading day requirements. This option is ideal for traders who want to pass quickly with a streamlined approach.
The consistency rule is one of Topstep’s most important—and most misunderstood—requirements. This rule exists to ensure that traders demonstrate consistent profitability rather than relying on a single lucky trade or an unusually good day.
When you reach the profit target, Topstep reviews your trading history to ensure that no single trading day accounts for more than 50% of your total profits. If one day represents more than half of your total gains, you’ll need to continue trading until your profits are more evenly distributed.
For example, if your profit target is $3,000 and you make $2,000 on a single day, that day represents 67% of your target—violating the consistency rule. You would need to continue trading until that day’s profits represent 50% or less of your total.
Our prop firm passing service employs several strategies to ensure consistency rule compliance:
Target: $3,000 | Maximum single day: $1,500 (50%)
Ideal Distribution: Day 1: $600 | Day 2: $500 | Day 3: $700 | Day 4: $400 | Day 5: $800 = $3,000 total with no day exceeding 50%
The consistency rule actually benefits disciplined traders. By forcing you to trade consistently over multiple days, it helps develop the habits necessary for long-term success as a funded trader. Traders who master this rule typically find that their funded account performance is significantly better than their evaluation performance.
The strategy you use to pass Topstep will directly influence how many trades you need to complete. Based on our experience managing over 2,847 successful passes, we’ve identified the most effective strategies for different trader profiles.
The Opening Range Breakout is one of the most reliable strategies for futures trading, particularly on the ES and NQ contracts. This strategy capitalizes on the volatility that occurs during the first 30-60 minutes of the trading session.
The pullback strategy waits for price to retrace to a key support or resistance level before entering in the direction of the trend. This approach offers high-probability setups with excellent risk-reward ratios.
Scalping involves taking multiple small profits throughout the trading session. While this approach requires more trades, it can be highly effective for traders with quick reflexes and strong discipline.
For most traders, we recommend a hybrid approach combining the ORB strategy for high-conviction morning trades with pullback entries during the mid-day session. This typically results in 2-4 trades per day and 8-15 total trades to pass, offering the best balance of efficiency and success rate.
Our professional traders and prop firm passing EA employ several advanced techniques to maximize efficiency:
Risk management is the single most important factor in passing Topstep’s Trading Combine. No matter how many trades you take or what strategy you use, poor risk management will inevitably lead to failure. Our funded account management service is built on a foundation of rigorous risk management principles.
The golden rule of risk management is to never risk more than 1% of your account balance on any single trade. For a $50K account, this means risking no more than $500 per trade. For a $100K account, the maximum risk is $1,000 per trade.
However, for Topstep specifically, we recommend an even more conservative approach of 0.5% risk per trade. This provides a larger buffer against the daily loss limit and gives you more room to recover from losing streaks.
Proper position sizing is critical to managing risk. Here’s how to calculate your position size for Topstep:
Position Size = (Account Risk %) × Account Balance ÷ (Entry Price – Stop Loss Price)
Example: $50K account, 0.5% risk ($250), ES entry at 4500, stop at 4495 (5 points)
Position Size = $250 ÷ (5 points × $50/point) = 1 contract
In addition to Topstep’s official daily loss limit, we recommend implementing your own personal circuit breakers:
Risk management isn’t just about numbers—it’s about psychology. Traders who consistently follow their risk management rules develop the discipline necessary for long-term success. Our prop firm passing service includes psychological coaching to help traders maintain discipline during both winning and losing streaks.
One of the most common reasons traders fail Topstep is revenge trading—trying to recover losses by taking larger positions or more trades than planned. This almost always leads to violating the daily loss limit or blowing through the trailing drawdown. If you hit your personal loss limit, stop trading for the day. The market will be there tomorrow.
After analyzing thousands of failed Trading Combine attempts, we’ve identified the most common mistakes that prevent traders from passing Topstep. Understanding these pitfalls can save you time, money, and frustration.
Many traders believe that more trades equal more profits. This is a dangerous misconception. Overtrading leads to increased commissions, reduced focus on quality setups, and higher probability of rule violations. Quality always beats quantity when it comes to passing Topstep.
Traders who focus solely on reaching the profit target often violate the consistency rule, forcing them to continue trading and potentially give back their profits. Always monitor your daily profit distribution throughout the evaluation.
Trading too large relative to your account size is a fast track to failure. Even a few losing trades with oversized positions can trigger the daily loss limit or trailing drawdown violation.
Trading during the Asian session or late afternoon often results in choppy, unpredictable price action. Focus your trading during the high-liquidity periods: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM ET and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET.
Entering the Trading Combine without a well-defined trading plan is like driving without a map. Your plan should specify your instruments, timeframes, entry criteria, exit criteria, position sizing, and daily routines.
Fear, greed, and frustration are the enemies of successful trading. Traders who let emotions drive their decisions inevitably make poor choices that lead to rule violations and failed evaluations.
Our professional traders and automated systems are programmed to avoid all of these common pitfalls. We follow strict trading plans, maintain consistent position sizing, respect all rules, and trade only during optimal market conditions. This disciplined approach is why we maintain a 94% success rate.
While it’s certainly possible to pass Topstep on your own, many traders choose to use a professional prop firm passing service for several compelling reasons. Understanding these benefits can help you make an informed decision about whether our service is right for you.
The statistics are sobering: approximately 85-90% of traders fail their first prop firm challenge. This high failure rate isn’t due to lack of talent—it’s due to lack of experience, poor risk management, emotional trading, and insufficient understanding of the specific rules.
Each failed attempt costs money (evaluation fees range from $165 to $465+ depending on account size) and time (weeks or months of effort). For many traders, the cumulative cost of multiple failed attempts exceeds the cost of using a professional service from the start.
Our proven track record speaks for itself. With 2,847 successful passes, we deliver results consistently.
Most accounts are passed within 5-15 trading days, getting you to funded status quickly.
We strictly adhere to all Topstep rules, ensuring your pass is legitimate and payout-ready.
One successful pass costs less than multiple failed attempts. Save time and money.
Our team consists of experienced traders with proven track records across multiple prop firms.
We combine human expertise with advanced algorithms for optimal trading performance.
Our prop firms passing services are ideal for:
Think of our service as an investment, not an expense. A single funded $100K account can generate $3,000-$10,000+ per month in profits. The cost of our service is typically recovered within the first month of funded trading, making it one of the highest-ROI investments a trader can make.
At Prop Funded Kings, we’ve refined our process through thousands of successful passes. Here’s exactly how we help you pass Topstep from start to finish:
We begin with a comprehensive consultation to understand your goals, risk tolerance, and timeline. This helps us determine the best account size and approach for your specific situation. Contact us via Telegram or WhatsApp to schedule your free consultation.
Once you’ve purchased your Topstep Trading Combine account, we coordinate the setup process. This includes platform configuration, credential sharing (via secure methods), and establishing communication protocols.
Our professional traders or AI-powered systems begin trading your account according to the agreed-upon strategy. We provide regular updates on progress and performance throughout the evaluation period.
We continuously monitor your account’s performance, making adjustments as needed to optimize results while maintaining strict adherence to Topstep’s rules. Risk management is our top priority at all times.
Once the profit target is reached and all rules are satisfied, we notify you immediately. You’ll receive confirmation from Topstep and can proceed to the funded account phase.
Our relationship doesn’t end with the pass. We provide ongoing support for funded account management, scaling strategies, and payout optimization. Many of our clients continue to use our funded account management services for their funded accounts.
We stand behind our work with a comprehensive guarantee. If we fail to pass your account within the agreed timeframe, we offer a free retry or refund according to our refund policy. Your satisfaction and success are our top priorities.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Select the package that matches your goals.
Real results from real traders who trusted Prop Funded Kings
“I had failed Topstep 3 times on my own. Prop Funded Kings passed my $100K account in just 8 days. The professionalism and communication throughout the process was outstanding. Already received my first payout!”
“As a busy professional, I didn’t have time to sit at the screens all day. Their service allowed me to get funded while focusing on my career. Best investment I’ve made in my trading journey.”
“The team’s knowledge of Topstep’s rules is exceptional. They navigated the consistency rule perfectly and passed my account without any issues. Highly recommend their prop firm passing service!”
“I was skeptical at first, but the results speak for themselves. Passed my Topstep challenge in 6 days and have been receiving consistent payouts ever since. The ROI on their service is incredible.”
“After researching prop firm passing services on Reddit, I chose Prop Funded Kings based on their reviews. They delivered exactly as promised. My account was passed in 9 days with zero rule violations.”
“The communication via Telegram was excellent. Daily updates, transparent reporting, and professional execution. This is a legit prop firm passing service that actually delivers results.”
To truly understand how many trades you need to pass Topstep, it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the platform, its rules, and the trading environment. This section provides an in-depth exploration of all aspects of Topstep trading.
Founded in 2012 by TJ Meyer, Topstep (originally TopstepTrader) has grown from a small educational trading firm to one of the largest prop firms in the world. The company’s evolution reflects the broader transformation of the proprietary trading industry, from traditional floor trading to sophisticated electronic platforms.
Key milestones in Topstep’s history include:
Understanding how Topstep compares to other prop firms helps traders make informed decisions. Here’s a comprehensive comparison:
| Feature | Topstep | Apex | FTMO | MyFundedFutures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Futures | Futures | Forex/CFD | Futures |
| Founded | 2012 | 2019 | 2016 | 2022 |
| Profit Split | 90% | 90% | 80-90% | 90% |
| Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly | Daily | Bi-weekly | Weekly |
| Min Trading Days | 5 | 7 | 10 | 5 |
| Consistency Rule | Yes (50%) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Platform | Ninja/Tradovate | Ninja/Rithmic | MT4/MT5 | Ninja/Tradovate |
| Reputation | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good |
Topstep supports multiple trading platforms, each with its own advantages:
The most popular platform for Topstep traders, NinjaTrader offers advanced charting, automated trading capabilities, and a large ecosystem of third-party indicators and strategies. It’s particularly well-suited for futures trading and offers excellent order execution.
Tradovate is a modern, cloud-based trading platform that offers seamless integration with Topstep. It’s known for its clean interface, mobile app, and ease of use. Many traders prefer Tradovate for its simplicity and reliability.
Topstep’s proprietary platform offers a streamlined trading experience with built-in risk management tools and real-time account monitoring. It’s designed specifically for Trading Combine participants and offers unique features not available on other platforms.
One of Topstep’s most attractive features is their scaling plan, which allows successful traders to increase their account size over time. The scaling plan works as follows:
This scaling opportunity is one of the reasons why passing Topstep is so valuable. A trader who starts with a $100K account can potentially scale to $400K or more within a year of consistent profitability, dramatically increasing their earning potential.
Understanding Topstep’s payout rules is crucial for funded traders. Here’s what you need to know:
The 100% profit split after the first $10K is a significant advantage. This means that once you’ve earned $10K, all subsequent profits are yours to keep. This structure rewards consistent, long-term performance rather than short-term gains.
Topstep provides access to futures markets during specific trading hours:
Understanding these hours is crucial for planning your trading sessions. The most liquid and volatile periods are typically 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM ET (US market open) and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET (afternoon session).
The Topstep Express Account offers a streamlined evaluation process with simplified rules. Key differences from the standard Trading Combine include:
The Express Account is ideal for traders who want to pass quickly with a straightforward approach. However, it may not be suitable for all trading styles, so consult with our team to determine if it’s right for you.
For traders who want to go beyond the basics and truly master Topstep trading, this section covers advanced topics that can give you a significant edge.
Order flow analysis involves reading the actual buy and sell orders in the market to identify institutional activity and potential price movements. This advanced technique can provide significant insights for Topstep traders:
Understanding market structure is fundamental to successful trading. Key concepts include:
Trading psychology is often the difference between success and failure. Key psychological principles for Topstep traders include:
A comprehensive trading journal is essential for continuous improvement. Track the following for every trade:
Our prop firm passing service includes detailed trade logging and analysis, providing you with comprehensive data on your account’s performance throughout the evaluation.
Once you’ve passed Topstep and received your funded account, the real work begins. Managing a funded account requires a different approach than passing the evaluation. Here are the best practices for long-term success:
Many traders experience a psychological shift when moving from evaluation to funded status. The pressure of trading “real” money (even though it’s the firm’s capital) can affect performance. Key strategies for this transition include:
The goal of funded trading is to build a consistent income stream. Here’s how to approach this:
As you become more successful, consider scaling your operation:
One of our clients started with a $50K Topstep account in January 2025. Through consistent trading and utilizing Topstep’s scaling plan, they scaled to a $500K account by December 2025, generating over $80,000 in profits. This demonstrates the power of consistent, disciplined trading combined with proper account management.
Funded trading income has specific tax implications that vary by jurisdiction. Key considerations include:
Even after passing, funded traders face challenges:
Our funded account management service provides ongoing support to help you navigate these challenges and maximize your success as a funded trader.
The prop firm industry is evolving rapidly, with new technologies and approaches emerging regularly. Understanding these trends can help you stay ahead of the curve and maximize your success.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming the trading landscape. Our prop firm passing EA leverages these technologies to identify high-probability setups and execute trades with precision. Key applications include:
While Topstep currently focuses on traditional futures markets, the broader prop firm industry is exploring blockchain and DeFi applications. These technologies could revolutionize how prop firms operate, offering faster payouts, transparent record-keeping, and new trading opportunities.
The prop firm industry is facing increased regulatory scrutiny in some jurisdictions. Topstep’s long history and established reputation position it well to navigate these changes. Traders should stay informed about regulatory developments that may affect their trading activities.
The shift to remote work has accelerated the growth of prop firms, as traders can now access funded accounts from anywhere in the world. This trend is expected to continue, with prop firms expanding their global reach and offering more flexible trading arrangements.
Prop firms are increasingly investing in trader education and community building. Topstep offers extensive educational resources, and our service includes ongoing support and mentorship. The trading community on platforms like Discord and Telegram provides valuable networking opportunities and knowledge sharing.
Join our Discord community to stay updated on the latest prop firm developments, trading strategies, and industry news. Our community of 5,000+ traders shares insights, strategies, and support to help everyone succeed.
Now that you understand how many trades you need to pass Topstep and the strategies involved, it’s time to take action. Here’s your complete action plan for success:
Join 2,847+ successful traders who trusted Prop Funded Kings to pass their prop firm challenges. Get started today with a free consultation.
With so many prop firm services available, why should you choose us? Here are the key differentiators:
Trading futures and other financial instruments involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you.
Before deciding to trade, you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment.
Prop Funded Kings provides trading services and account management. We do not guarantee specific results, and all trading involves risk. Please trade responsibly and only with capital you can afford to lose.
Passing Topstep’s Trading Combine is an achievable goal for traders who approach it with the right strategy, discipline, and support. Whether you choose to trade on your own or use our professional prop firm passing service, understanding the rules, developing a solid trading plan, and maintaining strict risk management are essential to success.
The question “how many trades do you need to pass Topstep” doesn’t have a single answer—it depends on your trading style, account size, risk management, and market conditions. However, with the information and strategies provided in this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to make informed decisions and take confident action.
Remember, the journey to becoming a funded trader is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on developing your skills, maintaining discipline, and building consistent profits. Whether you pass Topstep in 5 trades or 20 trades, what matters most is that you pass—and that you continue to succeed as a funded trader.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your trading journey, we’re here to help. Contact us today via Telegram, WhatsApp, or join our Discord community to learn more about how we can help you pass Topstep and achieve your funded trading goals.
Everything you need to know about passing Topstep
Join thousands of successful traders who trusted Prop Funded Kings. Get your funded account in as little as 5-15 trading days.