Key takeaways
- Use demo for mechanics and a small live account for psychology.
- Scale slowly and judge yourself on process.
Demo accounts are risk-free and teach you how a platform works. They do not teach you what it feels like to lose real money, and fills on demo can be more generous than live fills.
| Demo | Small live account | |
|---|---|---|
| Money at risk | None | Small but real |
| Learns | Platform, order types, charting | Discipline, emotions, real execution |
| Execution | Often idealised | Real spreads and slippage |
| Best for | Weeks one to four | After the platform feels routine |
A gradual path
- Two to four weeks on demo. Master the platform and write down a simple plan.
- Start live at the smallest size. Use micro lots or fractional shares.Tip: Keep risk per trade at a fraction of a percent.
- Keep a trade journal. Record reason, size, result and how you felt.
- Review monthly. Scale up only if your process, not just your profit, is consistent.