> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hashhedge.gitbook.io/hashhedge-user-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hashhedge.gitbook.io/hashhedge-user-guide/trading-terminal/open-a-trade.md).

# How to Open a Trade

Once your account is active, you trade crypto futures from the **Trade** screen. This page is about the Crypto + TradFi terminal; if you bought a US Stocks Challenge, see [Trading US Stocks](/hashhedge-user-guide/trading-terminal/stocks-terminal.md).

Here's the full flow for opening a position.

***

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open the trading terminal

On the **Accounts** page, click **Trade** on the account you want to use. This opens the trading terminal for that account.

<figure><img src="/files/tNFMrsUCwaJav4m7tabs" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Trade button on an account card</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose a trading pair

Select the instrument you want to trade (for example, BTC/USDT). Each instrument has its own position limit. See [Coins and position limits](/hashhedge-user-guide/rules/coins-limit.md).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Set your margin mode and leverage

On the right side of the screen:

* Pick **Isolated** or **Cross** margin. See [Margin mode](/hashhedge-user-guide/trading-terminal/margin-mode.md).
* Set your **leverage** (1x to 5x). See [Adjusting leverage](/hashhedge-user-guide/trading-terminal/leverage.md).
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose an order type

The panel has three tabs, and the one you pick decides how the order enters. For the full detail, see [Order types](/hashhedge-user-guide/trading-terminal/order-types.md).

* **Market**: fills immediately at the best available price.
* **Limit**: fills only at your chosen price or better, and waits until the market reaches it.
* **Trigger**: sits idle until the price you set is touched, and only then sends the order.

<figure><img src="/files/fRa0kKUms7FoUYsmKpQP" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Limit, Market and Trigger tabs in the order panel</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Enter the size (and price)

Enter the amount you want to trade. For a Limit order, also enter the price you want. Your total position size is **margin × leverage**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Add Take Profit / Stop Loss (optional)

Activate the **TP/SL** button to set automatic exit prices before you open. See [Take profit and stop loss](/hashhedge-user-guide/trading-terminal/take-profit-stop-loss.md).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Open the position

Click **Buy / Long** or **Sell / Short**. Your new position appears in the **Positions** tab at the bottom of the screen.

<figure><img src="/files/3DuyKeMZHk8aeJSRXBAB" alt=""><figcaption><p>Buy / Long and Sell / Short</p></figcaption></figure>

***

Only futures trading is available, with leverage up to **1:5**. Remember that open positions count toward your Equity, so they affect your loss limits before you close them.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


---

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