How to Start Day Trading
Your complete roadmap from zero to your first trade - everything you need to begin day trading the right way
How to Start Day Trading
Starting your day trading journey requires careful preparation. Unlike investing where you can buy and hold for years, day trading demands active skill development, proper tools, and disciplined risk management.
This guide walks you through every step from complete beginner to placing your first trade. Follow this roadmap to give yourself the best chance of success in a challenging but potentially rewarding pursuit.
Before You Start: Requirements Checklist
Equipment Needed
Capital Requirements
Step-by-Step: Your First 90 Days
Week 1-2: Education Foundation
Learn market basics: how prices move, what candlesticks are, support/resistance concepts. Read books, watch videos, understand how trading actually works. Do not touch any trading platform yet.
Week 3-4: Choose Your Market
Decide between stocks, futures, or forex based on your capital and goals. Research each market's characteristics. For most beginners with less than $25K, micro futures are the best choice.
Week 5-6: Platform Setup
Open a brokerage account with paper trading. Learn your platform: order types, charting tools, how to enter/exit trades. Practice navigating the software without placing trades.
Week 7-10: Paper Trading
Start paper trading with a simple strategy. Focus on execution, not profits. Track every trade in a journal. Learn how markets move, when they are active, and how you react emotionally.
Week 11-12: Review & Refine
Analyze your paper trading results. What worked? What did not? Refine your strategy based on data, not feelings. Set criteria for when you will go live (X weeks profitable, Y win rate).
Week 13+: Small Live Trading
If paper trading was consistently profitable, start with minimum position size and real money. Trade 1 micro contract or smallest lot size. Focus on process, not profits. Scale up only after proving consistency.
Choose Your Market
| Market | Capital Needed | PDT Rule? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro Futures | $2,000-5,000 | No | Best for most beginners |
| Forex | $500-2,000 | No | Good for very small accounts |
| Stocks | $25,000+ | Yes | Only if well-capitalized |
| Crypto | $500-2,000 | No | High risk, 24/7 markets |
Key Principles for Success
Risk Management First
Never risk more than 1-2% of your account on a single trade. Protect capital above all else.
Trade with a Plan
Know your entry, stop loss, and target before entering. Never trade impulsively.
Keep a Journal
Record every trade with screenshots. Review weekly to identify patterns and improve.
Start Small
Begin with minimum position sizes. Your goal is learning, not immediate profits.
Be Patient
Expect 6-12 months before competence, 1-2 years before consistency. This is a marathon.
Control Emotions
Fear and greed will sabotage you. Develop mental discipline through practice.
Reality Check Before You Start
Be honest with yourself about these facts:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start day trading with no experience?
Start by educating yourself about markets and trading basics. Open a paper trading account to practice without risk. Study chart patterns and risk management. Only trade real money after months of profitable simulation trading.
What do I need to start day trading?
You need: a computer with reliable internet, a funded brokerage account, trading platform, basic education about markets, and risk capital you can afford to lose. For stocks, you also need $25,000 minimum (PDT rule).
How much money should I start day trading with?
For micro futures (MES, MNQ), most traders start with $2,500-5,000. For stocks, you need $25,000+ due to PDT rules. Whatever amount you start with, only risk money you can afford to lose completely.
Can I day trade with $1000?
Yes, but with limitations. You cannot day trade stocks (PDT rule requires $25K). You can day trade micro futures, forex, or crypto with $1,000. Start with minimum position sizes and strict risk management.
Continue Learning
Risk Disclosure: Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Last updated: December 2025