7 minute read
How to take partial profit on MT5 Metatrader 5
In the fast-paced world of forex and CFD trading, knowing when and how to take profits is as crucial as knowing when to enter the market. One of the most powerful yet underutilized techniques among traders is taking partial profits—especially on the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform. If you want to master your trading psychology, control risk better, and scale into longer-term gains, taking partial profits on MT5 is an indispensable skill.
This guide will show you how to execute partial take-profits on MT5 like a professional trader. Let’s go deep, break it all down, and put power into your hands. ⚡
🏅 3 Best Forex Brokers
1️⃣ Exness: Open Account Trading | Go to broker
2️⃣ XM: Open Account Trading | Go to broker
3️⃣ JustMarkets: Open Account Trading | Go to broker
💡 What Does "Taking Partial Profit" Mean?
Taking partial profit means closing a portion of your open trade to secure some gains while leaving the rest of the position to continue running. Rather than closing a trade completely, you realize a percentage of the floating profit and let the remaining part ride potential trends.
This tactic allows you to:
Lock in some earnings
Reduce emotional pressure
Let winners run without total exposure
Protect capital if the market reverses
Think of it as having your cake and eating it too. 🍰
🎯 Why Partial Profit Is a Game-Changer
Traders often fall into two traps: closing trades too early out of fear or letting them run too long out of greed. Partial profit-taking strikes a balance between discipline and opportunity.
Here’s why you should embrace it:
1. Improved Risk Management
By securing profits on a portion of the trade, you reduce your open exposure. This means that if the price moves against your remaining position, you’ve already banked some profit, reducing psychological stress.
2. Better Psychology
Trading is mental warfare. Knowing that you’ve already locked in some gain helps you stay composed and stick to your strategy for the rest of the trade.
3. Enhanced Strategy Flexibility
Partial exits allow you to scale out of positions, letting you adapt to fast-moving or unpredictable markets. This is particularly useful for swing traders, scalpers, and day traders alike.
⚙️ How to Take Partial Profit on MT5 – Step-by-Step
Taking partial profit on MT5 isn’t as straightforward as a one-click feature. It requires you to manually close a portion of your position. But don’t worry—once you know how to do it, it becomes second nature.
Here’s how to do it manually:
✅ Step 1: Open Your Trade
Execute your trade as usual. Whether it’s a Buy or Sell, open your position in the Trade tab.
📍 Tip: Make sure you enter the trade with a volume size large enough to split (e.g., if your minimum lot size is 0.01, entering with 0.10 allows you to close portions like 0.05 or 0.03).
✅ Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Trade’ Tab
On the bottom panel of your MT5 platform, click on the "Trade" tab. You’ll see a list of your open positions.
Look for the position you want to partially close.
✅ Step 3: Right-Click the Open Position
Right-click on the trade you want to close partially. A context menu will appear. Select “Modify or Delete Order” or simply double-click the order.
This opens the trade window.
✅ Step 4: Adjust the Volume
In the trade window, look at the Volume field. This is the key step.
👉 You must change the volume from the full size of the position to the amount you want to close.
Example: If you have an open position of 1.00 lot, and you want to take partial profit on half, change the volume to 0.50.
This doesn’t open a new trade. Instead, it closes just that portion of your existing position.
✅ Step 5: Click "Close"
Now click the yellow “Close” button at the bottom of the window.
Boom. 💥 You’ve just secured partial profit.
The remaining portion of the trade stays open, free to ride the trend. You can even move your stop loss to breakeven and let it run risk-free.
🧠 Pro Tips to Master Partial Exits
Taking partial profits is more than just a button-clicking technique. It’s a strategic skill that can significantly boost your long-term consistency.
Here are key insights to supercharge your execution:
🔄 Tip 1: Use Fixed Partial Levels
Predetermine your exit levels—like 50% at 1:1 risk-reward, 25% at 2:1, and the rest at trail stop. This builds discipline into your method.
🧮 Tip 2: Use the Right Lot Size
Always enter trades with a lot size that allows you to split the position reasonably. If you trade only 0.01, you have no room for partial exits. Plan your sizing.
🧊 Tip 3: Automate the Process with Scripts
While MT5 doesn’t support partial profit automation natively, you can use custom scripts or Expert Advisors (EAs) to execute them.
They allow partial profit at predefined price levels. But if you’re not using EAs, mastering manual control is still very effective.
📈 Real-World Example: Partial Profit in Action
Let’s say you buy EUR/USD at 1.1000 with a 1.00 lot size. Your take-profit is at 1.1100 and stop-loss is at 1.0950.
At 1.1050, the trade is 50 pips in profit.
You decide to:
Close 0.50 lots and secure the profit
Let 0.50 lots run toward the original TP
The result?
You’ve locked in 50 pips on 0.50 lots = $250
Your trade is now emotionally easier to manage
You can move SL to breakeven for the remaining 0.50 lots
Whether price hits TP or reverses, you’ve already won. 🏆
🧭 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Partial profit is powerful—but misusing it can be counterproductive. Here are traps to dodge:
❌ Closing Too Early
If you always partial out at the slightest move, you rob your strategy of edge. Let trades breathe.
❌ Using Too Small Lot Sizes
Without sufficient volume, partials become impractical. Plan your position sizes wisely.
❌ Random Exit Points
Exiting without reason leads to inconsistency. Always base exits on strategy, support/resistance, or price action, not emotion.
❌ Forgetting to Adjust Stop Loss
After taking partial profit, adjust your stop loss accordingly. Protect gains or set to breakeven for the remaining position.
🛠️ Tools to Help You Execute Partial Profits Better
MT5 is highly customizable. If you’re a frequent partial profit trader, consider these enhancements:
🔧 One-Click Trading Panel Add-ons
Some brokers and third-party providers offer a one-click trading panel with partial close options.
These tools simplify execution with buttons like “Close 25%,” “Close 50%,” or “Close Custom.”
📜 Custom Scripts
A lightweight script can be programmed (or downloaded) to partially close your trades with predefined conditions.
Scripts are ideal for traders who want partial exits without relying on full-fledged Expert Advisors.
🤖 EAs (Expert Advisors)
Some automated trading systems can handle dynamic partial exits based on indicators, ATR, or custom logic.
If you're a coder or hire one, this route opens powerful automation possibilities.
🔄 Combining Partial Profit with Trailing Stop
For even more power, combine partial profit with a trailing stop-loss. This strategy allows you to:
Lock in partial profits at a fixed level
Let the remaining position run while the trailing stop protects gains
This is one of the most effective risk-to-reward tactics used by professionals. 📊
Example:
Close 50% at 1:1 RR
Set trailing stop at +20 pips from entry
Trail stop as price advances
Even if the price reverses, you’ve already won.
Read more:
🎓 Final Thoughts: Dominate MT5 with Partial Profit
In a world where most traders fail due to poor risk management or emotional decisions, partial profit-taking on MT5 gives you a significant edge.
It’s not just a trading tactic—it’s a mindset shift.
You're no longer guessing.You're no longer gambling.You're strategically extracting value from the market while protecting your capital.
Remember:
✅ Always trade with a lot size large enough to allow splits
✅ Base your partial exits on logic, not fear
✅ Use MT5’s manual close method or advanced scripts/EAs for consistency
✅ Combine with trailing stops for maximum effect
Master this technique, and you’ll elevate your trading from amateur guesswork to professional execution. 🚀
No more all-or-nothing trades.
It's time to lock profits like a pro.
