How many traders actually pass a prop firm challenge — and how many get paid? In 2026 more firms publish numbers than ever, but the figures are easy to misread. Here is what the data says, and what it means for your next evaluation.
- Published per-attempt pass rates range from about 8.9% to 36% across firms.
- Pass rates per person are much higher than per attempt, because many traders pass on a second or third try.
- Every published figure is self-reported and unaudited, so treat them as a rough guide.
Published Prop Firm Pass Rates
Prop Data Lab collected the pass rates firms publish on their own websites. A selection is below — note that each firm measures something slightly different.
| Firm | Pass rate | What it measures | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topstep | 16.8% | Combines started | 2025 |
| Topstep | 51.8% | People who entered one or more Combines | 2025 |
| Tradeify | 17.2% | Evaluation accounts started | Aug 2025 – Jul 2026 |
| Tradeify | 40.3% | People who started one or more evaluations | Aug 2025 – Jul 2026 |
| E8 Markets | 17.7% | Traders who got a funded account | Jan 2023 – Mar 2024 |
| Take Profit Trader | 36.22% | Trading Tests | 2025 |
| Earn2Trade | 8.89% | Subscriptions passed | 2025 |
Some well-known firms, including FTMO and FundedNext, publish payout totals but no current pass rate.
Attempts vs People: Why the Numbers Differ
The biggest trap is mixing up attempts and people. Tradeify reports that 17.2% of evaluation accounts passed, but 40.3% of traders who started at least one evaluation eventually passed. The difference comes from traders who fail, learn and try again. In other words: failing your first challenge is normal, and persistence matters.
What Payout Data Shows
Independent trackers are now verifying payouts on the blockchain. Payout Junction reported more than $29.7 million across about 21,000 verified payouts in October 2026 alone, with Tradeify’s futures program leading the month. These figures are tracked by a third party but not audited, and they only cover payouts that can be verified on-chain.
6 Ways to Improve Your Chances of Passing
- Pick rules that fit your style. Scalpers and swing traders need very different drawdown and news rules. Compare them in our prop firm table.
- Prefer static or end-of-day drawdown if you are new — intraday trailing drawdown is the most common reason traders fail.
- Risk 0.5–1% per trade. Small, consistent risk keeps you far from the daily loss limit.
- Avoid targets that force over-trading. A lower target with more time is easier to hit than a fast, aggressive one.
- Know the consistency rule before you start, so one big day does not block your payout.
- Start smaller and use a discount. A cheaper account with a code from our offers page lowers the cost of a retry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of traders pass prop firm challenges?
Published per-attempt pass rates range from roughly 9% to 36%. Measured per person, rates are higher — Topstep reports 51.8% and Tradeify 40.3% of traders eventually pass at least once.
Are prop firm pass rates audited?
No. Pass rates are self-reported by each firm, are not required by regulators, and use different methods and time periods, so compare them with caution.
How can I pass a prop firm challenge faster?
Focus on consistency rather than speed: risk 0.5–1% per trade, choose a firm with drawdown rules that suit you, and avoid over-trading to hit the target. Compare rules in our prop firm comparison table.
This article is for information and education only and is not financial advice. Trading futures, forex and CFDs carries a high risk of loss. InsidePropFirm may earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.
