What are contract trading codes?

Contract codes are often one to three letter codes identifying the asset that is attached to a specific contract. For example, E-mini S&P 500 Futures’ contract code is ES. Take note that these codes could vary across platforms. Following the contract code should be a letter and a number, for example, ESM6. The M represents a month (June) and the 6 represents a year (2026). Each month has its own letter. So, as in the example listed above, ESM6 would represent an E-mini S&P 500 Futures contract expiring in June of 2026.

List the code of month for reference:

F - January

G - February

H - March

J - April

K - May

M - June

N - July

Q - August

U - September

V - October

X - November

Z - December