Download Your Free Trading Journal
Track your trades, analyze your performance, and become a better trader with our professional Excel template.
What You'll Typically Log
Date & Time
Record exactly when you entered and exited each trade to identify the best trading times.
Trade Direction
Document whether you went long or short to analyze which direction works best for your strategy.
Position Size
Track your lot sizes and risk per trade to ensure proper money management.
Entry & Exit Prices
Log your exact entry and exit points to evaluate your timing and execution.
Stop Loss & Take Profit
Record your risk management levels to refine your trading plan over time.
Market Conditions
Note the market environment (trending, ranging, volatile) to identify optimal trading conditions.
Trading Strategy
Document which strategy you used so you can measure the success rate of each approach.
Profit/Loss
Track your financial results to calculate win rate, risk-reward ratio, and overall profitability.
Chart Screenshots
Save visual records of your setups to review what worked and what didn't.
Emotional State
Note your mindset before and after trades to identify emotional patterns affecting your performance.
Trade Notes
Add any observations, lessons learned, or mistakes to avoid repeating errors.
Consistency is key - the more detailed your records, the more insights you'll gain. Even trades that don't go as planned provide valuable learning opportunities.
Review your journal weekly to spot patterns, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and continuously improve your trading strategy.
Explore Our Template Options
Our trading journal comes in multiple formats to suit your preferences. Choose between light mode for daytime trading, dark mode for evening sessions, or view the comprehensive summary dashboard.
Why Keep a Trading Journal?
A trading journal is one of the most powerful tools for improving your trading performance. It transforms abstract concepts into concrete data, helping you identify what actually works versus what you think works.
By systematically recording your trades, you can spot patterns in your behavior, recognize which strategies deliver the best results, and understand the psychological factors that influence your decisions. This self-awareness is invaluable for developing discipline and consistency.
Professional traders and fund managers all maintain detailed records. If you're serious about trading success, a journal isn't optional—it's essential. Start documenting your journey today and accelerate your path to profitability.
How to Use Your Trading Journal
Getting started is simple. Follow these four steps to begin tracking and improving your trading performance:
1. Download the Template
Fill out the form above to instantly download our free Excel trading journal template. It's compatible with Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and other spreadsheet applications.
2. Customize Your Setup
Open the template and personalize it to match your trading style. Add or remove columns, adjust categories, and set up any additional metrics you want to track.
3. Log Every Trade
After each trade, record all relevant details while they're fresh in your mind. Include entry/exit prices, position size, strategy used, and your emotional state. The more consistent you are, the better your results.
4. Review and Improve
Set aside time weekly or monthly to analyze your journal. Look for patterns, calculate your win rate and risk-reward ratios, and identify areas for improvement. Use these insights to refine your strategy and boost your profitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read our frequently asked questions below. If you still need help, contact us today.
What is a trading journal?
Is the trading journal template really free?
What format is the trading journal in?
How do I use the trading journal template?
Can I customize the trading journal?
What information should I track in my trading journal?