> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sigsig.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sigsig.xyz/core-concepts/isolated-margin.md).

# Cross & Isolated Margin

Share your balance across positions or ring-fence each one.

You choose the margin mode per market in the order terminal.

## Cross margin

All your positions share your whole available balance as margin. Profits on one position can support another. This makes liquidation less likely for each single position, but a large loss can affect your entire account.

## Isolated margin

Each position has its own, separate margin. If an isolated position is liquidated, you lose only the margin assigned to it — the rest of your balance is untouched. You can add margin to an isolated position to move its liquidation price further away.

## When to use which

|                                  | Cross                                               | Isolated                                    |
| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| Risk limited to one position     | No                                                  | Yes                                         |
| Uses your full balance as buffer | Yes                                                 | No                                          |
| Good for                         | Hedged or correlated positions, experienced traders | Single high-conviction trades, defined risk |


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