Worked example
Assume a hypothetical $20,000 notional position with a flat 0.5% maintenance rate and no tier deduction. Its maintenance requirement is $100. If position equity is $350, the simplified buffer above that requirement is $250. This is not an exact liquidation distance: notional changes with mark price, and venue fees and tier rules can alter the threshold.
Using Swolecharts
Use the maintenance-rate input in the liquidation price calculator to compare scenarios. Enter the applicable exchange rate rather than assuming the illustrative 0.5% applies to every market or size.
Common confusion
Initial margin opens the position; maintenance margin keeps it open. A tiered schedule may use deductions or marginal calculations, so multiplying the entire position by its highest tier rate can overstate the requirement.
Checked against exchange documentation on 13 October 2026: Bybit: maintenance margin. Examples are illustrative, not live market readings.