Lesson 6 of 20
Demo account vs live account
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A demo account is a full trading account funded with virtual money. Prices are real, execution is simulated, and losses cost you nothing but pride.
| Demo | Live | |
|---|---|---|
| Money at risk | None | Real |
| Prices | Real market feed | Real market feed |
| Emotions | Almost absent | The hardest part of trading |
| Best for | Learning the platform and testing a plan | Executing a plan you have already proven |
How to use demo properly
- Set the demo balance to what you will actually deposit — not $100,000. Trading a fantasy account teaches fantasy habits.
- Trade the same position sizes you intend to use live.
- Keep a journal: entry, exit, reason, result.
- Aim for consistency across at least 30–50 trades before going live.
When to go live
Switch when your process is repeatable, not when your demo balance is high. Then start with the smallest position size your broker allows — real emotions need their own learning curve.
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