There is no such thing as a set dollar amount to lose before becoming profitable. In theory, if you prepare yourself, you could be profitable from day one. If you set a dollar amount in your head of an acceptable number to lose, you will probably lose way more, because as long as you have not reached that number yet, you will think its ok to lose that money. Its never ok to lose money. Losing money is part of successful trading, but it should never be ok. What are you thinking about trading?