Prop Firm Profit Splits: What 80/20 or 90/10 Means
When you start comparing prop firms, one of the first numbers you’ll see is the profit split: something like “80/20” or “90/10.” The concept sounds simple, but there are nuances that matter a lot when actual money is on the line. This guide explains exactly what prop firm profit splits mean, shows you what they look like in real dollars, and helps you figure out which deals are actually worth it.
What Is a Profit Split?
A profit split is the percentage of your trading profits that you keep versus what the prop firm keeps.
The first number is always yours. So:
- 80/20 split: You keep 80%, the firm keeps 20%
- 90/10 split: You keep 90%, the firm keeps 10%
- 100% split: You keep everything (rare, usually for first payout only)
That’s the headline number. But what it means in practice depends on when payouts happen, what counts as profit, and whether there are scaling plans involved.
What 80/20 and 90/10 Look Like in Real Dollars
Let’s keep it concrete.
Scenario: You make $1,000 profit in a month
| Split | Your Payout | Firm’s Cut |
|---|---|---|
| 70/30 | $700 | $300 |
| 80/20 | $800 | $200 |
| 90/10 | $900 | $100 |
| 100/0 | $1,000 | $0 |
Over a year of consistent $1,000/month profit:
- 80/20 earns you: $9,600
- 90/10 earns you: $10,800
- Difference: $1,200 annually
That $1,200 difference sounds meaningful, and it is, but it’s smaller than most beginners assume. A 10-percentage-point difference in split only matters when the absolute profits are large. Focus on finding a firm you can actually profit with before obsessing over split percentages.
How Profit Is Calculated
Before you can apply the split, you need to understand what “profit” means to the firm.
Most firms calculate profit one of two ways:
Net Profit (P&L Minus Commissions)
Your payout is based on your net profit after all commissions and fees. If you make $2,000 in gross profit but paid $300 in commissions, your payout is based on the remaining $1,700.
Gross Profit
Some firms pay out before deducting commissions, but this is less common and usually applies to futures firms where commissions flow through a separate brokerage.
Always ask the firm how profit is calculated before signing up. A 90/10 split on net profit after high commissions might pay out less than an 80/20 split on gross profit with low commissions.
Withdrawal Rules and Payout Schedules
The profit split percentage is only part of the picture. Equally important:
Minimum Payout Threshold
Most firms require you to earn a minimum amount before requesting a payout, typically $100–$500. Some have no minimum.
Payout Frequency
- Some firms allow weekly payouts once you’ve reached the threshold
- Others are bi-weekly or monthly
- Some require you to hold profits in the account for a set period (e.g., 14 days minimum before first withdrawal)
First Payout Timing
Many firms require you to wait 14–30 days from funded account activation before your first payout, regardless of how much profit you’ve made. This is a risk management measure for the firm.
Payout Methods
Most firms pay via bank wire, PayPal, Deel, or similar platforms. International traders should check what’s available in their country and any associated fees.
Scaling Plans and Split Upgrades
Some firms start you at a lower split (say 70%) and increase it as you hit performance milestones. This is called a scaling plan.
Example scaling structure:
- Funded account: 70% split
- After 3 months consistent trading: 80% split
- After 6 months + X% return: 85% split
- Master tier: 90% split
Other firms offer a flat split from day one with no scaling. what you see is what you get.
If a firm advertises “up to 90%” prominently, check whether that’s the starting split or the maximum split after meeting milestones.
The 100% First Payout Deal (Apex & Others)
Apex Trader Funding became famous for offering 100% of the first payout to new funded traders, then reverting to their standard 90/10 split afterward. This was a major differentiator that attracted many traders to the platform.
In practice: if your first payout request is for $1,500, you receive $1,500. All subsequent payouts follow the 90/10 split.
This is genuinely valuable, it often covers part or all of the evaluation fee, reducing your effective cost to get funded.
Which Firms Offer the Best Profit Splits in 2026?
| Firm | Standard Split | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apex Trader Funding | 90/10 | 100% first payout; one of the best splits in futures prop |
| Topstep | 100% up to $10K, then 90% | Unique model: first $10K is all yours |
| Tradeify | 90/10 | Straightforward flat split |
| MyFundedFutures | 90/10 | Competitive split with good payout speed |
| FTMO (Forex) | 80/20 to 90/10 | Scaling based on consistency |
Note: Splits change over time. Verify current terms on each firm’s website before signing up.
Does a Higher Split Always Mean a Better Deal?
Not necessarily. A firm offering 90/10 with tight drawdown rules, high evaluation fees, and slow payouts might net you less than a firm offering 80/20 with low fees, loose rules, and fast weekly payouts.
When comparing firms, look at the full picture:
- Evaluation fee (and refund policy)
- Profit split percentage
- Drawdown rules (static vs. trailing, this affects how long you stay funded)
- Commission structure
- Payout frequency and minimum threshold
- Firm’s payout track record
A 90/10 split on a firm you keep losing your account at is worth less than an 80/20 split on a firm you stay funded with consistently.
Conclusion
A prop firm profit split tells you what percentage of your profits you take home, and 80/20 vs 90/10 is a smaller real-dollar difference than most beginners expect. The bigger factors are whether you can stay funded under the firm’s rules and whether they pay out reliably and promptly.
Before choosing a firm based on profit split alone, use our prop firm comparison tool to see the full picture, fees, rules, payout speed, and community reputation all matter alongside the headline split percentage.
For context on how profit splits relate to the overall funded trader experience, see our beginner’s guide to prop trading.
Key Takeaways
- An 80/20 profit split means you keep 80% of trading profits; on $1,000 monthly profit, the difference between 80/20 and 90/10 is only $100/month
- How profit is calculated matters more than the headline split percentage; a 90% split on net-after-commission profit can pay less than 80% on gross profit
- Some firms like Topstep offer 100% of the first $10,000 in lifetime profits; Apex offers 100% of the first payout only
- A higher split at a firm where you keep losing your account is worth less than a lower split at a firm where you stay funded consistently
- Evaluate the full picture: evaluation fee, drawdown rules, commission structure, payout frequency, and firm reliability alongside the profit split
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a typical profit split at a futures prop firm?
Most major futures prop firms offer an 80/20 to 90/10 split in the trader’s favor. Several firms (Apex, Topstep, Tradeify) offer 90/10 or better. Some offer 100% on initial payouts before reverting to the standard split. Splits below 80% are uncommon at established firms and should prompt further research.
Does a higher profit split always mean more money?
Not necessarily. A firm with a 90/10 split but tight drawdown rules that cause frequent account terminations may pay out less over time than a firm with an 80/20 split and rules that let you stay funded longer. Payout frequency, commission structure, and how long you keep the funded account all affect total earnings.
How often can I withdraw profits from a funded account?
Most firms allow biweekly or monthly withdrawals after a minimum initial waiting period (typically 7-30 days). Some firms offer weekly payouts. Minimum withdrawal amounts range from $100 to $500. Check your firm’s specific payout schedule and minimum thresholds before signing up.
What is a scaling plan in prop trading?
A scaling plan starts you at a lower profit split (e.g., 70%) and increases it as you hit performance milestones over months. After sustained profitability, you may reach 85-90%. If a firm advertises “up to 90%,” check whether that is the starting split or the maximum achievable after months of proven performance.
Risk Disclaimer: Trading involves substantial risk of loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results. See our full risk disclaimer.