Margin is the amount of capital you need to open and maintain positions, making it a key factor in managing your trading account effectively. Here are some ways to manage margin in MetaTrader 4 (MT4) to avoid unexpected losses or margin calls. 

• Understand Your Margin Requirements: Each trade requires a certain amount of margin, which varies based on the asset and leverage used. In MT4, the margin requirement is calculated automatically when you place an order. For instance, with 1:100 leverage, a $1,000 trade only requires $10 in margin. Understanding these requirements helps prevent overextending your account. 

• Monitor Free Margin and Margin Level: Free margin is the amount of funds available to open new positions and handle losses. You can see this in the “Terminal” window under “Trade.” Margin Level, shown as a percentage, indicates the health of your account and is calculated as (Equity / Used Margin) x 100%. A low margin level (usually below 100%) could trigger a margin call, meaning you may need to add funds or close trades. 

• Limit the Number of Open Positions: Each open position uses a portion of your margin, so keeping multiple trades open can quickly reduce your free margin. To avoid spreading yourself too thin, consider limiting the number of simultaneous trades. 

• Adjust Leverage Thoughtfully: Higher leverage means lower margin requirements, but it also magnifies risks. In MT4, choosing a leverage level suited to your risk tolerance can help maintain a safer margin level.