- MetaTrader Raw Spread commission is listed as $3.50 per lot per side on the global overview
- cTrader commission is quoted per USD 100k, so the math looks different
- Convert commission into pips before comparing accounts
- Swaps and slippage can matter more than 0.1 pip
Practical Answer Framework#
Short Answer
To compare IC Markets properly, add average spread, round-turn commission, swaps and expected slippage instead of looking only at the headline 0.0 pip spread.
Detailed Explanation
How to calculate IC Markets Raw Spread commissions in dollars and pips before comparing brokers.
Example
On a major pair where $7 round-turn commission equals roughly 0.7 pip per standard lot (illustrative conversion depends on pip value), Raw wins only if average spread savings exceed that plus slippage versus Standard.
Common Mistake
cTrader’s per-USD-100k quote is a different unit—do not mix it with MetaTrader “per lot per side” without converting notional size.
Professional Tip
Use these listed figures as a calculator starting point, then confirm inside your live account
Quick Answer#
To compare IC Markets properly, add average spread, round-turn commission, swaps and expected slippage instead of looking only at the headline 0.0 pip spread.
Commission Inputs From the Global Overview#
Use these listed figures as a calculator starting point, then confirm inside your live account:
| Platform row | Listed commission basis |
|---|---|
| MetaTrader Raw Spread | $3.50 per lot per side |
| cTrader Raw Spread | $3.00 per USD 100k |
| Standard | Spread-only (no separate commission line) |
Round-turn MetaTrader Raw planning cost for one standard lot is therefore $3.50 × 2 = $7.00 in commission alone, before spread, swaps or slippage. Convert that dollar commission into pips using your pair’s pip value for the lot size you trade.
cTrader’s per-USD-100k quote is a different unit—do not mix it with MetaTrader “per lot per side” without converting notional size.
Step-by-Step All-In Calculator#
- Pick one symbol and lot size you actually trade.
- Record average live spread during your session for several days.
- Add round-turn commission using the overview formula that matches your platform, then verify against the live statement.
- Add expected swap if you hold past rollover.
- Add a slippage buffer based on small live fills—not demo optimism.
- Compare the total with Standard on the same symbol and lot size.
Example: On a major pair where $7 round-turn commission equals roughly 0.7 pip per standard lot (illustrative conversion depends on pip value), Raw wins only if average spread savings exceed that plus slippage versus Standard.
Common mistake: comparing Raw’s minimum spread screenshot with another broker’s average spread, while omitting IC Markets commission entirely.
Professional tip: keep a one-line notebook formula: all-in ≈ spread cost + round-turn commission + swap + slippage.
When Standard Beats Raw After Maths#
- Low trade frequency
- Wider targets where commission is a small share of edge
- Instruments where Raw average spreads do not stay tight in your session
Premium Raw Pro / Raw Pro+ rows require much larger balances on the overview and are not the default calculator path for beginners.
Entity and Risk Caveats#
Live commission schedules can differ by entity and instrument. Tight pricing does not remove leveraged CFD loss risk.
Related IC Markets Research#
Continue with our IC Markets review, IC Markets account guide, IC Markets spread guide and IC Markets safety review. If you are comparing brokers, also read XM vs Exness vs IC Markets and lowest spread forex brokers.
Bottom Line#
Calculate IC Markets Raw cost as spread plus round-turn commission (and swaps/slippage)—using $3.50 side or $3.00 per USD 100k as overview inputs, then verify live before you choose Raw over Standard.
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