Quote from LoveMySystems:
I think you're talking about a profit target. I could be wrong. A profit target is a hard exit on the other side from a hard stop, which can be either a limit exit (at or better than the desired profit point) or a market-if-touched exit (at or close to the desired profit point).
If you are asking amount WHERE to set your profit target, that depends on your ratio of risk-reward, the market, and a dozen other factors. Mine are set in stone, so I can't help you with a general ratio. I have heard a 2:1 ratio, but also 1:1. Too many variables and your own style, not to mention the instrument, need to be considered to determine a ratio that would provide an answer to your question.
My kind of trading does not introduce human hands after entry. This eliminates emotion having any effect after entry. Both profit and stop exits are in place when I make the entry, and the only automated change to my open trade is tightening up the stop or adding contracts. I know some traders sit there and literally try to influence a trade by power of will, but such is not my style, as it is neither sustainable nor profitable.
Hope I answered your question.