Scaling Into Trades

by | Sep 30, 2025 | The Doctor's Dose

Smarter Lot Sizing: How Scaling Into Trades Improves Consistency

One of the most overlooked skills in trading is scaling into trades. Many traders either go all-in at their first entry point or wait too long, missing the best opportunities. But by learning how to adjust lot sizing based on confidence levels, you can dramatically improve your results.

Why Scaling Matters

When you’re scaling into trades, the first position is smaller because your confidence is lower at that early stage. You’re not trying to pick tops and bottoms—you’re simply giving yourself a chance to participate without overexposing your account.

As the trade develops, your confidence grows. This is where you add more size—at the technical levels that have a higher probability of holding, such as pivot lines or strong support/resistance zones.

Today’s Example: NVIDIA (NVDA)

This morning’s setup in NVIDIA was a perfect case study in scaling into trades:

  • First entry: a small position at $186.38, where probabilities were moderate.

  • Second entry: a larger position at $185.73, where the pivot line gave us stronger conviction.

By weighting the second entry more heavily, the average price dropped closer to $185.73, making the trade much more favorable.

Stop Placement and Targets

A common mistake is placing stops too close to the first entry. Instead, manage risk with a tight stop below the pivot. This way, you’re not stopped out prematurely, only to chase the trade again. Even modest moves—just 20–30 cents—can deliver consistent profits when you’re positioned properly.

Why It Works

The beauty of scaling into trades is that it creates balance:

  • Smaller risk on uncertain entries.

  • Larger size where probabilities are stronger.

  • Consistent profit-taking instead of swinging for home runs.

Even if each trade nets only $200–$300, repeating that process throughout the day produces meaningful results.

Takeaway

If you’re serious about improving your trading consistency, start focusing on scaling into trades with purpose. It’s not about making the biggest score—it’s about stacking steady, repeatable profits by letting probabilities guide your lot sizing.

👉 Want to see how this played out live? Watch the full video here: Click Here