TLDR: Futures trading commissions are part of the total trading cost (all-in rate), which includes broker commissions, exchange & NFA fees, and clearing fees. The full cost per trade = Number of Contracts × All-in Rate × 2 (covering both entry and exit).
Futures trades have costs associated with them, and commission rates are just one part of the equation. The total cost to a customer per contract when an order is executed is known as the all-in rate.
The all-in rate has the following components:
Commission: Commissions are the fees charged by NinjaTrader for executing the trade.
NinjaTrader's commission rates may be viewed here: Commissions
Exchange & NFA Fee: Charged by the exchange and the National Futures Association. This fee does not vary between brokerage firms but does vary between different Futures contracts.
Clearing Fee: This fee is charged by the clearing firm (also known as an FCM) and can vary between brokerage firms but does not vary between Futures contracts.
You can find fees and commissions for different instruments here. Simply search for the instrument to view its associated details, including “Commission/Fees.”
How to Calculate the Commission Per Side
Formula:
Commission per trade = 2 (for open & close) x Contract Size x All-in rate
Let’s say you placed a Buy trade of 3 contracts on NQ:
2 x 3 x 2.88 = 17.28
So, the total commission would be $17.28
Since every trade includes both an entry and an exit, the commission & fees are charged twice—once for opening and once for closing. So, to get the full cost, always double the per-side commission.