Topstep Trading Journal: Track the Trading Combine, Trailing Drawdown and Daily Loss
Topstep changed its rules several times in 2026. This guide covers the structure of the rules as of November 2026; always confirm exact numbers, platforms and paths in Topstep's Help Center before you trade. Clarity Tracking is not affiliated with Topstep.
Topstep is one of the oldest futures prop firms. Its Trading Combine is a one-step evaluation followed by an Express Funded Account. Most failed Combines come down to the trailing Maximum Loss Limit or a single day that breaks the Daily Loss Limit.
The Topstep rules to track
| Account | Profit target | Daily Loss Limit |
|---|---|---|
| $50K | $3,000 | $1,000 |
| $100K | $6,000 | $2,000 |
| $150K | $9,000 | $3,000 |
- Maximum Loss Limit (MLL): a trailing drawdown that follows your account's high point. How it trails (intraday or end of day) has differed between the Combine and the funded stage, so check which applies to your account.
- Consistency target: Topstep has used a consistency rule that limits how much of your profit can come from your best day.
- Trading day: Topstep's day is defined around the CME session in Central Time, not your local midnight.
What your Topstep journal should track
- Distance to the trailing MLL, updated with your new high-water mark
- Daily loss used vs. your Daily Loss Limit
- Best day as a share of total profit, for the consistency target
- P&L in ticks, points and dollars after commissions
- Performance by contract and time of day
The trailing drawdown trap
With a trailing limit, a good day raises the floor. A trader who makes $1,500 and then gives back $1,000 is $1,000 closer to the MLL than before, even though the account is still up. Your journal should show the floor moving every day so you can size down after big wins instead of after losses.
Journaling Topstep with Clarity Tracking
Clarity Tracking syncs futures accounts from NinjaTrader and Tradovate. Check which platforms Topstep currently offers for your account; TopstepX accounts may need a different import route. Use the risk of ruin calculator in trailing mode and the position size calculator in futures mode to size contracts.
Related: futures trading journal guide, Apex Trader Funding journal.
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