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E-mini Natural Gas Futures (QG) | Contract Overview

What is a E-mini Natural Gas Futures Contract?

A E-mini Natural Gas futures contract (Ticker: QG) is a CME-traded contract representing 2,500 million British thermal units (MMBtu) of natural gas, the key benchmark for U.S. natural gas pricing. Traded on the NYMEX, QG futures give market participants leveraged exposure to natural gas price movements with standardized terms and deep liquidity. These contracts are widely used by traders, producers, utilities, and commercial users for short-term trading, price discovery, and hedging against volatility in the energy markets.

What are the contract specifications for E-mini Natural Gas Futures?

Mini Natural Gas futures (Ticker: QG) are CME-traded contracts representing 2,500 MMBtu of natural gas. The minimum price fluctuation is $0.001 per MMBtu, equal to $2.50 per tick. QG contracts are physically delivered at Henry Hub, Louisiana, and trade nearly 24 hours a day on CME Globex. Margin requirements are set by the exchange and clearing firm, and the contract’s standardized size and liquidity make it a core instrument for both hedgers and active traders in the energy markets.

Product:

E-Mini Natural Gas

Futures Contract Symbol:

QG

Exchange:

CME

Contract Size:

2,500 MMBtu

Trading Hours:

Sunday–Friday: 5:00 PM – 4:00 PM CT (Daily break: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM CT)

Minimum Price Fluctuation:

0.0001 per barrel = $2.50

Contract Months:

Monthly contracts listed for the current year and the next 5 calendar years. List monthly contracts for a new calendar year following the termination of trading in the December contract of the current year.

Settlement Method:

Deliverable

Exchange Fees:

$.52/contract

Margin Requirements for E-Mini Natural Gas Futures

Holding Period:

Day Trading Margins

Overnight Margins

Margins:
$300
$1,428

Other contracts can be found on our margins page.

Source: CME

The above information is derived from sources believed to be accurate. It is provided without guarantees and is subject change without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions About E-mini Natural Gas Futures

Natural gas is used for generating electricity, heating homes and buildings, industrial processes, transportation fuel, and as a feedstock for fertilizers and plastics. In the US, electric power accounts for about 40% of use, industry 32%. It also powers cooking, appliances, and is in products like diapers and helmets. Globally, it's a cleaner fuel for power and exported as LNG.

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