How to count margin % on Forex.?

i have a forex qestion if anyone can help me with the answer that i can't find
how to count margin %, for example i was told to do a trade with
"Margin: 3%
Please use the lower 3% margin because this trade could pull up against
use a few hundred pips before dropping."
how to count the actual ammount of lots that is safe to buy, lets say i have $1000 on my account?

Diana,
I understand the frustratio you are going through right now. I used to get so frustrated trying to figure out the answers to these types of questions. I think trying to figure out how much of what to buy is one of the most frustrating parts. To be honest I still don't get it, and I have been to all the seminars, read tons of books, joined tons of forums,ect... but it feels like everywhere I look it just leads to more questions.
I was introduced to trading by a friend of mine. He told me he was using a system called FreedomRocks to do all those calculations for him. I, of course being the sceptic that I tend to be, told him he was stupid for letting a computer descide for him. Well guess what? after 6 months of pulling my hair out and having no life, his account was twice that of mine. So I buckled and tried the trial FR offered. I instantly fell in love. I no longer needed to know how to figure that stuff out any more.
Needless to say, I think the best solution is FreedomRocks http://www.yourforexinvestor.com . Now use the free trial and tell me trading isn't easier. Also I suggest checking out http://www.babypips.com . You will find a lot of useful info there.
As far as the margin I like to trade between 7-10 %. I have found that to be the best for profit and risk.
In closing, I know this sounds like a sales pitch, but it is not. I am an advocate of FreedomRocks because I believe in what they offer! The GFT platform combined with the FR insert is a killer combo.
Sincerely,
Brandon Wells
http://www.yourforexinvestor.com
877-773-5345