Series 7 Margin Calculations Explained (2026) | Reg T, SMA, & Maintenance Formulas

Master the Series 7 margin calculations you'll face on the 2026 exam. This guide walks you through the essential formulas for long and short margin accounts, Regulation T's 50% requirement, how SMA (Special Memorandum Account) works, and FINRA's maintenance rules (25% long, 30% short). We also cover the critical 2026 update eliminating the Pattern Day Trader (PDT) rule. Read the full guide on our blog for more step-by-step examples: https://open-exam-prep.com/blog/series-7-margin-accounts-guide-2026 Practice these concepts for free with our Series 7 question bank: https://open-exam-prep.com/study-guides/series7 ⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:07 - Scene 1 0:41 - Scene 2 1:14 - Scene 3 1:45 - Scene 4 2:15 - Scene 5 2:50 - Scene 6 3:23 - Next steps Recommended study resources: Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Open Exam Prep earns from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission if you buy through these links. - Kaplan Series 7 License Exam Manual, 2nd Edition - Comprehensive Exam Prep for the Series 7 General Securities Representative Exam: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1078803730?tag=openexamprep-20 - Series 7 Study Guide 2025-2026: Complete Review + 750 Questions and Detailed Answer Explanations (6 Full-Length Exams): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1998805484?tag=openexamprep-20 - Series 7 Study Guide 2025-2026: Complete Prep Book for the FINRA General Securities Representative Certification with 10 Full Length Practice Tests and 1500+ Questions & Detailed Answers.: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G6D2ZW48?tag=openexamprep-20