QUANTITY FREEZE LIMITS
What is a Quantity Freeze Limit in futures and options?
A Quantity Freeze Limit is the maximum permissible order quantity for a single trade in Futures and Options (F&O) contracts. If an order quantity exceeds this limit, it is automatically rejected by the exchange system.
The objective is to:
- Prevent fat finger trades (unintentional large order entries).
- Strengthen risk management.
- Safeguard market stability.
Previous vs. Revised Quantity Freeze Limits:
Revised Freeze Limit (quantity)
(w.e.f. Sept 1, 2025)
Revised Freeze Limit (quantity)
(w.e.f. Dec 01, 2025)
Revised Freeze Limit (quantity)
(w.e.f. Feb 01, 2026)
(A)
(B)
(C)= (A)*(B)
(D) = Sum (C)
Note: As per the National Stock Exchange of India circular, the Nifty quantity freeze limit remains 1,800; however, with the revised lot size of 65, the effective freeze quantity becomes 1,755 (i.e., the highest divisible lot multiple below 1,800). This is only an example—other indices will follow the same methodology, where the maximum permissible lots are calculated based on the divisible lot size within the prescribed freeze quantity limit.
For BSE:
Revised Freeze Limit (quantity)
(w.e.f. Feb 01, 2026)
(A)
(B)
(C)= (A)*(B)
(D) = Sum (C)
Example for better understanding:
Suppose a trader wants to place an order in Bank Nifty Futures:
The freeze limit is 900.
If the trader tries to place an order for 1,200 quantities in one go, the order will be rejected.
Instead, it needs to be split into smaller chunks (e.g., 900 quantity + 300 quantity).